Virtual leash for personal gaming device

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for providing a virtual leash and command download capabilities on a hand-held personal gaming device (“PGD”) are disclosed. A host gaming system includes a game server configured to generate game seeds having data regarding predetermined game outcomes for various wager based games, and an authentication server configured to establish a virtual leash with a PGD. The virtual leash is adapted to repeatedly authenticate or verify a PGD user, a PGD location, the PGD itself, and/or software codes on the PGD. Included within an associated PGD are a display adapted to display gaming related information, a processor configured to execute gaming related code, and a memory containing a command download of computer code to be executed by the processor. The command download of computer code includes enough code for the PGD to process and display independently a game play based on a game seed.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priorityfrom U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/871,876, filed Jun. 17, 2004,entitled “PERSONAL GAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF PRESENTING A GAME,” Thepresent application is also a continuation-in-part of and claimspriority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/672,307, filed Sep.26, 2003, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 7,918,728, entitled “PERSONALGAMING DEVICE AND METHOD OF PRESENTING A GAME,” which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/882,558,filed Jun. 15, 2001, which is now U.S. Pat. No. 6,628,939, entitled“PERSONAL GAMING DEVICE.” All of the above-referenced patentapplications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety andfor all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to gaming machines and systems,and more specifically to mobile gaming systems and devices.

BACKGROUND

Gaming is an increasingly popular industry, with casinos and othergaming establishments continually seeking new and exciting ways topresent games for play. Many games are generally presented on largefree-standing gaming devices, such as the well known slot machines,video poker machines and the like. Other games can be presented atsomething other than a gaming device, such as the table games of craps,blackjack and roulette. In addition, games such as keno and bingo may beplayed in areas specially configured to present the game to players(e.g., at areas where personnel pick up keno cards and called numbersare displayed on large displays).

A substantial disadvantage to the way such games are currently presentedis that a player may participate in a particular game only at certainspecified locations and/or on specific gaming machines or tables. Forexample, in order to play video poker or a particular slots game, suchas “Red White and Blue,” a player may be required to travel through alarge hotel and/or casino to a specific gaming area where an actualvideo poker or “Red White and Blue” gaming machine is located.

Casinos and other gaming operators generally desire to provide to theircustomers greater accessibility to gaming devices and the opportunity toplay games, however, such that improved availability and convenience ingaming is desired. To this end parent U.S. Pat. No. 6,628,939 and patentapplication Ser. Nos. 10/672,307 and 10/871,876 address systems andmethods for providing games on a wireless game player, such as ahand-held “Personal Gaming Device” (“PGD”). Of course, added issues canarise whenever players are permitted to engage in gaming events frommobile and/or remote locations, such as through the use of such a PGD.Security for any casino owned PGDs, increased fraud prevention,flexibility in PGD use, and player authentication and verification areonly a few examples of such added issues.

While existing systems and methods for providing mobile gaming devicesand appropriate supporting gaming systems have been adequate,improvements are usually welcomed and encouraged. In light of theforegoing, it is desirable to develop more detailed methods and systemsthat provide for improved functionality in mobile gaming involving PGDs,and in particular for such methods and systems to include enhancedsecurity and player authentication features while remaining at similaror better levels of flexibility.

SUMMARY

It is an advantage of the present invention to provide improved mobilegaming systems and methods. This is accomplished in many embodiments byproviding within or about a gaming machine or system support for atleast one mobile gaming unit or PGD. According to many embodiments ofthe present invention, the disclosed systems and methods can involve theuse of a PGD, a gaming machine and/or a gaming system adapted foraccepting a wager, playing a game based on the wager and granting apayout based on the result of the game. The present invention alsoinvolves various methods of presenting a game to a player via the PGD,reconciling game results, verifying a PGD for use, authorizing aparticular player and/or area of use, and controlling gaming applicationuse on the PGD, among others.

In one or more embodiments, the PGD can include a display screen, aprocessing unit including a processor and a memory, and a wirelesscommunication interface associated with the processing unit. Thewireless communication interface is adapted to receive data and provideit to the processing unit, and is also adapted to transmit data providedby the processing unit. In one or more embodiments, the receivedinformation comprises game data generated at a remote location that isused by the gaming device to present a game to the player. In someembodiments, the PGD can be an item that is owned and provided by thecasino or gaming establishment, while other embodiments can include theuse of a player owned device as the PGD. Further embodiments to a gamingsystem involving a combination of casino or establishment owned PGDs andplayer owned PGDs are also provided.

In some embodiments, the PGD is a hand-held device having a body thathouses the processing unit and other electronics. The PGD may include acard reader for reading a magnetic stripe card, a smart card, or othersource of encoded information, such as credit card information. The PGDmay also include a speaker for outputting sound to a player. In oneembodiment, the PGD is detachable from or operable independent of remotedevices or networks. In other words, a network connection may or may notbe present or be required when the PGD is being operated. In oneembodiment, data may, instead of or in addition to being transmitted viathe wireless communication interface, be transmitted and/or receivedthrough another type of communication interface, such as a cabledRS-232, USB or IEEE-1394 connection, or an infraredtransmitter/receiver. The PGD preferably includes means for a player toprovide play input. In one embodiment, the display may betouch-sensitive, such as through a touch screen. The PGD may alsoinclude buttons or include a microphone for accepting voice input.

In one embodiment, the PGD is associated with a gaming system includinga game data server. The processing unit receives game data from a remotelocation, such as the game data server, via the wireless communicationinterface and utilizes the game data to present a game to the player,including presenting game video information on the display. In oneembodiment, the gaming device includes a player input and the processingunit transmits said input to a remote location via the wirelesscommunication interface. In one embodiment, a PGD interface serves as aninterface between the PGD and one or more devices, including the gamedata server. The PGD interface may also be associated with othernetworks and devices, including an Internet gateway, a hotel reservationsystem, a funds transaction network, or other networks and devices. Inthis manner, a player may use the PGD to gain access to services, browsethe Internet, and engage in other activities or obtain information thansimply playing a game.

In various embodiments, if a player wishes to play a game on the PGD,the player is required to place a bet or ante to participate in a gameinvolving potential winnings (i.e. a casino-type game or wagering game).In that event, a player provides credit, such as by swiping a creditcard or a player tracking card associated with a player financialaccount. Credit may also be transferred through other means, such asfrom an associated free-standing gaming machine having existing creditthereupon. If the player credit is verified, then the player ispermitted to play a game or games on the PGD, as selected by the player.The game server generates game data regarding the game to be played,such as video and sound data. This information is transmitted to thePGD, where game video and sound are presented to the player. Asnecessary, a player may provide input regarding player decisionsrelating to the game, such as via a touch-sensitive screen or button(s).

In some embodiments, the PGD stores resident game code. This game codeis useful in presenting a game, but alone may be incapable of presentinga game. In such instances, a game server can be configured to generateinformation regarding game results. The game results data is provided tothe PGD and used with the resident game code to present a game. In oneembodiment, such game result data or information comprises numericaldata generated at least in part by one or more psuedo random numbergenerators. The game results data or information may also includepaytable or other such data as required to enable the process. In oneembodiment, a player may “pre-purchase” game play. In this embodiment, aplayer provides payment for wagers. The amount of the payment, coupledwith the size of the wager for each game, determines the number of gamesthe player may play. The game server is configured to generate gameresults data for the number of games the player has paid for. The gameresults data may be transmitted to the PGD via a wireless communicationlink. In another embodiment, the game results data is stored on aportable storage device such as a smart card or portable memory modulethat is capable of being read by the PGD.

One embodiment of the invention comprises a method of activating a PGD.Activation information is generated at a first location, such as by agame server. This activation information is transmitted, such as via anetwork of wireless transmitters. If the PGD detects the activationinformation, the PGD is activated, and if not, the device is or remainsdeactivated. In one embodiment, the activation information is eithertransmitted at intervals, or is transmitted continuously and confirmedat various intervals. In another aspect of the present invention, a gamedevice is provided for selective display of a pre-purchased game ofchance. The game device includes a communication interface adapted tocommunicate with a central gaming system to selectively receive gamingdata controlling the play and outcome of the pre-purchased game ofchance, generated at a first time. The unit includes a display screen,one or more input mechanisms, and a microprocessor device. Thisprocessor is configured to: 1) commence play, selectively activated byoperation of the one or more input mechanisms, of the pre-purchased gameof chance using the gaming data at a selected second time after thefirst time; and 2) selectively display on the display screen thegenerated outcome of the game of chance.

Accordingly, in this aspect of the present invention, one or more gamesof chance are pre-purchased and pre-executed on the central gamingsystem (e.g., a backend server), at the first time, the play and outcomeof which can subsequently played and viewed on the remote gaming deviceat a second time, after the first time. The pre-purchased games ofchance, thus, are fully executed in a secure gaming environment orsystem (e.g., a central gaming system), and then transferred, in theform of pre-viewed gaming data, to the PGD for a complete replayexecution of the play and outcome of the games of chance at the leisureof the player on the PGD. In essence, the play and outcome of thepre-purchased games of chance are “known” and ratified at the serverside prior to play and viewing on the PGD. Once the pre-viewed gamingdata is transferred to the PGD, this gaming device is simply applied,possibly remotely, to view the play and outcomes of the games of chance.

According to some embodiments, a video clip (or clips) of the gamingplay and outcome is transferred or downloaded to the PGD or other mobilegaming device from the server for time-shifted replay thereof at thesecond time. Under such embodiments, the PGD is essentially relegated toa viewing mechanism that eliminates any player input, other than perhapsjust pressing a button to enable one to view what happens in the next‘frame sequence’ of the video clip.

In another specific embodiment, a method for executing pre-purchasedgaming play for a portable PGD is provided including selectivelygenerating pre-viewed gaming data, on a central gaming system,representing the play and outcome of one or more pre-purchased games ofchance, the last game of which is generated at a first time. Next,selectively communicating the pre-viewed gaming data from the centralgaming system to the gaming device; and reconciling post-viewed gamingdata from the gaming device, viewed at a time-shifted second time afterthe first time, with the central gaming system for authentication of thepost-viewed gaming data.

In one specific embodiment, the selectively communicating event includescommunicating the pre-viewed gaming data through a removablecommunication interface adapted for communication between the centralgaming system and the gaming device. The selectively communicating eventfurther includes storing, via a reader device, the pre-viewed gamingdata onto a storage unit of the removable communication interface, andthe reconciling post-viewed gaming data event includes retrieving, viathe reader device, the post-viewed gaming data from the storage unit ofthe removable communication interface. In one configuration, thecommunication interface can include a removable peripheral and/orstorage device adapted for selective communication between the PGD andthe central gaming system. The removable peripheral is adapted totransfer at least a portion of the gaming data therebetween to effectthe play and outcome of the game of chance. Further, the removableperipheral/storage device can be a smartcard, an E-key dongle, a memorystick, and/or a Secure Digital card, among other items.

In yet another specific embodiment, a method for executing gaming playon a remote gaming device including selectively receiving pre-viewedgaming data on the gaming device. The pre-viewed gaming data beingexecuted on central gaming system, and representing one or morepre-purchased games of chance, the last game of which is executed at afirst time. The method further includes receiving input instructions,from one or more input mechanisms of the gaming device, to commence playof the pre-viewed gaming data. This data represents the play and outcomeof the one or more pre-purchased games of chance executed by the centralgaming system. Finally, the method includes displaying the play andoutcome of the one or more pre-purchased games of chance on a displayscreen of the gaming device, at a second time after the first time,wherein the pre-viewed gaming data thereafter constituting post-viewedgaming data.

Various embodiments of the invention comprise methods for verifying thePGD for use and for reconciling game outcomes. In various embodiments,biometric information such as a player fingerprint is read at thepersonal gaming device and used to verify the entitlement of the playerto financial transactions and/or entitlement to play a game. In oneembodiment, the outcomes of games played at the PGD are transmitted to agame or financial server. These actual outcomes are reconciled againstthe outcomes as determined from the generated game results data. Thereconciliation step confirms the player loss or win associated with theplay of the game or games.

In still further embodiments, a game server configured to generate gameseeds having data regarding predetermined game outcomes for each of anumber of wager based games can be included as part of an overall gamingsystem. Such a game server can also be configured to transmit game seedsto a storage device for use by a personal gaming device during futuregame play thereupon. An authentication server in communication with saidgame server can be configured to establish a virtual leash with apersonal gaming device, with such a virtual leash being adapted toauthenticate or verify a user of the personal gaming device, a locationof the personal gaming device, or both. In addition, a relevanthand-held personal gaming device can also include a memory containing atleast one command download of computer code to be executed by aprocessor of the personal gaming device. Such a command download ofcomputer code can include enough code for the personal gaming device toprocess and display independently a game play at a display of thepersonal gaming device based on a game seed.

In one or more of the foregoing embodiments, a virtual leash can be usedto verify or authenticate a number of items, such as a proper player, aproper location for a respective personal gaming device, and others. Arepeated checking of such one or more items can be performed, wherebywager based gaming at the personal gaming device is suspended orterminated if such items cannot be authenticated or verified on arepeated basis. Such repeated checking can be considered a “heartbeat,”with system alerts, alarms, player warnings and/or termination orsuspension of a gaming session taking place depending upon the nature ofa heartbeat violation.

Other methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or willbecome apparent to one of skill in the art upon examination of thefollowing figures and detailed description. It is intended that all suchadditional methods, features and advantages be included within thisdescription, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected bythe accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The included drawings are for illustrative purposes and serve only toprovide examples of possible structures and process steps for thedisclosed inventive systems and methods for mobile gaming through theuse of a PGD. These drawings in no way limit any changes in form anddetail that may be made to the invention by one skilled in the artwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary PGD in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary component arrangement of thePGD illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic of an exemplary gaming system including a PGD inaccordance with the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of presenting agame with a PGD in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of purchasinggames for play on a PGD.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating one exemplary method of verifying aPGD for game play in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of verifying gameoutcomes in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary docking station for use with at leastone PGD in accordance with an embodiment the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates yet another embodiment of a system in accordance withanother embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is schematic of another exemplary gaming system including aremote gaming device and a removable communication interface constructedin accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged top plan view of an exemplary removablecommunication interface of the gaming system of FIG. 10, in the form ofa smartcard.

FIGS. 12A-12D are a series of flowcharts depicting various exemplarypassive mobile gaming methods for the gaming system of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13A illustrates in perspective view an exemplary gaming machineadapted to accept wagers and present games of chance.

FIGS. 13B and 13C illustrate in perspective view two exemplaryspecialized gaming machines having associated PGD docking stations inaccordance with various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 14A illustrates in top plan view an exemplary casino floor layouthaving at least one PGD and multiple virtual leash terminals in the formof pico cells in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14B illustrates in top plan view an exemplary casino floor layouthaving at least one PGD and multiple virtual leash terminals in the formof triangulation devices in accordance with one embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating one exemplary method ofauthenticating and verifying a player and location associated with agiven PGD in accordance with various embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Exemplary applications of systems and methods according to the presentinvention are described in this section. These examples are beingprovided solely to add context and aid in the understanding of theinvention. It will thus be apparent to one skilled in the art that thepresent invention may be practiced without some or all of these specificdetails. In other instances, well known process steps have not beendescribed in detail in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring thepresent invention. Other applications are possible, such that thefollowing example should not be taken as definitive or limiting eitherin scope or setting. In the detailed description that follows,references are made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part ofthe description and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specificembodiments of the present invention. Although these embodiments aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable one skilled in the art topractice the invention, it is understood that these examples are notlimiting, such that other embodiments may be used and changes may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In general, the present invention comprises a PGD that is adapted topresent a game for play by a player. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, at least one game comprises a game of chance, and moreparticularly, such a game requiring that a player place a monetary wagerin order to be entitled to play the game, whereupon one or more gameoutcomes can result in a monetary or other award being granted to theplayer. In one or more embodiments, the PGD is associated with a gamingmachine, gaming server and/or gaming network as part of an overallgaming system, as set forth below. The following detailed descriptionthen provides for three basic types of PGD processes. First variousserial PGD processes are described, after which alternative video clipbased PGD processes are discussed, followed by various command downloadPGD processes, including those involving game “seeds.” Finally,functionalities that can be used with any of the serial, video clip orcommand download process types are given. Such functionalities includethe use a virtual leash to restrict a PGD to a particular player and/orlocation, as well as specialized free standing gaming machines thatoperate as PGD docking stations.

Personal Gaming Devices

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary personal gaming device (“PGD”) 20 inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. In general, the PGD 20includes a body or housing 22. The body 22 may be constructed from awide variety of materials and in a wide variety of shapes. In oneembodiment, the body 22 is constructed from one or more moldedpolypropylene or other plastic components. The body 22 may beconstructed of metal or a wide variety of other materials. Asillustrated, the body 22 is generally rectangular in shape, having afront side or face 24, a rear side or face (not visible), a top end 26,a bottom end 28, a first side 30 and a second side 32. Preferably, thebody 22 defines an enclosed interior space (not shown) in which avariety of components are located.

In a preferred embodiment, the PGD 20 is adapted to present video andsound game data to a player. As illustrated, the PGD 20 includes adisplay 34. The display is located in the front face 24 of the body 22,thus facing upwardly towards a player. In a preferred embodiment, thedisplay 34 comprises a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), and inparticular, an LCD permitting touch-screen input. It will be appreciatedthat other types of displays may be provided. PGD 20 also includes asound generating device in the form of at least one speaker 36. In oneembodiment, the speaker 36 is positioned beneath a top or cover portionof the body 22 having one or more perforations or apertures thereinthrough which the sound may readily travel. As illustrated, the speaker36 is located near the bottom end 28 of the body 22, generally oppositethe display 34. It will be appreciated that the speaker 36 or additionalspeakers may be provided in a wide variety of locations, such as at oneor both sides 30, 32 of the body 22.

In a preferred embodiment, the PGD 20 is adapted to send and/or receivedata from another device. As such, the PGD 20 includes one or more datainput and/or output devices or interfaces. In one embodiment, the PGD 20includes an RS-232 data port 38 for transmitting and accepting data,such as through a cable extending between the PGD 20 and another device,such as a computer. In one embodiment, the PGD 20 includes a USB dataport 40 for transmitting and accepting data, also through a cable. Inone embodiment, the PGD 20 includes an infrared datatransmitter/receiver 42 for transmitting information in wireless,infrared light form. In a preferred embodiment, the PGD 20 includesanother wireless communication device 44, such as a wirelesscommunication device/interface operating at radio frequency, such as inaccordance with the IEEE-802.1x or the Bluetooth™ standard.

Preferably, a player is permitted to provide input to the PGD 20, suchas for playing a game. As stated above, one means of input may bethrough the display 34. The display 34 may also be arranged to acceptinput via a stylus or other device. In one embodiment, the PGD 20includes a keypad 46. In one or more embodiments, the keypad 46 is asealed keypad having one or more keys or buttons which may be activatedby a player, such as by depressing the button with their finger. The PGD20 can include a microphone 48 arranged to accept voice input from aplayer. Other input devices may alternatively be provided or be providedin addition to those input devices described. For example, a player maybe permitted to provide input through a joystick (not shown). Thejoystick may comprise a control element associated directly with thebody 22 of the PGD 20. Alternatively, the joystick may be separate fromthe PGD 20, and then be placed in communication therewith, such as byplugging in the joystick to a data port of PGD 20. A smart card reader,optical reader or other input device may be provided for readinginformation from another element, such as a card, ticket or the like.PGD may also include a keyboard or mouse.

In one embodiment, the PGD 20 includes an image collection device 41,such as a camera. The image collection device 41 may be used, forexample, to capture the image of a user or player of the PGD 20. Thisimage information may be used for security or authentication purposes,as set forth in greater detail below. The PGD 20 may also include afingerprint scanner 49. In one embodiment, as illustrated, thefingerprint scanner 49 may be located behind or beneath a user inputbutton, such as a “spin” or “draw” button. In this manner, a player'sfingerprint may be obtained without the user or player having toconsciously participate. As described below, a player's scannedfingerprint information may be used for authentication purposes. Such ascanning device may be similar to that offered by AuthenTec, Inc. ofMelbourne, Fla. The PGD 20 may include a card reader 50. As illustrated,the card reader 50 is located in a side 30 of the body 22 of the PGD 20.In a preferred embodiment, the card reader 50 comprises a magneticstripe reader for reading information from a magnetic stripe of a card.The card reader may also be adapted to write or store data to a smartcard or portable memory module.

As illustrated, the card reader 50 includes a slot that is positioned inthe side 30 of the PGD 20. The PGD 20 may be battery-powered, such aswith a rechargeable battery pack. An ON/OFF button 47 may be providedfor controlling the power to the PGD 20. As set forth in greater detailbelow, the PGD 20 may be docked at or otherwise associated with afree-standing gaming machine or other gaming device. At such times thatthe PGD 20 is docked, the internal battery of the device can berecharged for later use in an undocked or “remote” mode, as will bereadily appreciated. Appropriate detection provisions, warnings andsafeguards for a low battery status in PGD 20 while in such a remotemode can also be provided.

Preferably, PGD 20 includes control means for controlling the operationof the device, including accepting input and providing output. Oneembodiment of such a control means is illustrated in FIG. 2. Asillustrated, PGD 20 preferably includes a computing environment servingas the control means. The computing environment includes a centralprocessing unit 52. The central processing unit 52 preferably comprisesa microprocessor, such as those well known and manufactured by suchcompanies as Intel, AMD, Transmeta and Sun Microsystems, Inc. Thecentral processing unit 52 is associated with a bi-directional systembus 54. The system bus 54 may contain, for example, thirty-two addresslines for addressing a video memory or main memory. In addition, thesystem bus 54 preferably includes a thirty-two or sixty-four bit databus for transferring data between and among components associated withthe bus 54. Alternatively, multiplex data/address lines may be usedinstead of separate data and address lines.

The display 34 is coupled to the bus 54. In one embodiment, a videomemory (not shown) is provided in association with the bus 54. The videomemory may be dual-ported video random access memory. The video memoryis preferably coupled to and arranged to drive the LCD display 34. Ofcourse, the video memory might be coupled to a CRT or other suitabledisplay device. A memory 56 is associated with the system bus 54. In oneembodiment, the memory 56 comprises dynamic random access memory(“DRAM”), synchronous DRAM or other forms of random access memory. Thememory 56 may have other forms as well, such as electronically erasableprogrammable read only memory (“EEPROM”). Preferably, the memory 56 isof the type that permits data to be written thereto and read therefrom.A mass storage device 58 is preferably also accessible via the bus 54.The mass storage device 58 may be of the read-only type (such as a CD orDVD optical drive) or may be of the read-and-write variety such as flashmemory, compact flash, or CD/DVD-R/W drives.

As illustrated, the variety of input and output devices can beassociated with the system bus 54, and thus the other componentsassociated with the bus. As illustrated, the speaker 36, keypad 46 andcard reader 50 are associated with the system bus 54. A variety of datainput/output devices (“I/O Devices”) may also associated with the systembus 54, such as, though not specifically illustrated, the RS-232 port38, the USB 40, and the infrared communication transmitter/receiver 42.As will be appreciated, these devices/elements may operate in accordancewith different protocols and have different architectures, and haveappropriate interfaces provided for communicating with the system bus54. For example, the infrared transmitter/receiver may have differentlayers, including a physical layer including the light-emitting device,and link and other layers which include software and/or hardware, as isknown. A variety of other input/output devices may be associated withthe PGD 20, as now known or later developed.

Preferably, as stated above, the PGD 20 includes a wireless, radiofrequency, communication interface operating in accordance with the IEEE802.1x or Bluetooth™ standards. The architectures/protocols of suchwireless communication interfaces are well known and thus will not bedescribed in detail herein. In general, however, such an interface 44permits two-way data communication. As described in detail, the PGD 20may be permitted to communicate with a wide variety of devices/systems,including at least one device associated with a gaming network. Inaccordance with the invention, the PGD 20 can send data and receivedata, including program code, through the communication interface 44 (orthe other input/output devices, such as the infraredtransmitter/receiver). As one example described in more detail below, agaming server may transmit requested code for an application via atransceiver to the communication interface 44 of the PGD 20. Thereceived code may be executed by the central processing unit 52 as it isreceived and/or be stored in the memory 56 for later execution. In oneembodiment, the PGD 20 may include a mass data storage device (notshown) such as a hard drive, CD-ROM or the like. In one or moreembodiments, the memory 56 may comprise a smart card or similar easilyremovable (and replaceable) device. In such event, data, such asoperating code, may be associated with the PGD 20 via a CD-ROM placed ina CD-ROM drive or by insertion of a coded smart card or portable memorymodule.

Although the foregoing exemplary PGD 20 is fairly specific with respectto many details, it will be readily appreciated that a wide variety ofsimilarly suitable devices can also be used as a PGD. Other exemplaryPGDs and features thereof are provided in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.6,846,238, issued to Wells and entitled “Wireless Game Player,” which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.Additional features and applications for a suitable PGD can also befound in commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/937,990 byNguyen, et al., entitled “Apparatus and Methods for Wireless GamingCommunications,” which is also incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety and for all purposes. It will be appreciated that not all itemsand features of the above and incorporated PGDs may be required for agiven PGD or associated system, and that other items and features notdisclosed may also be included. In some cases, a PGD can be provided bythe casino or gaming operator, such as through sales, rentals orcheckout procedures, while in other instances, a suitable PGD can be anoutside device that is provided by the player or another third party.Such a privately owned outside PGD can be, for example, a personal deskassistant (“PDA”), laptop, iPod®, cell phone, or any other similarlysuitable device. As discussed herein, it will be understood that use ofthe term “PGD” can refer to the exemplary PGD 20 disclosed above, aswell as any other suitable device that can serve as a PGD for anypurpose of the present invention, and that such a device or devices mayor may not be portable or hand-held. Further, while use of the terms“portable” and “mobile” gaming device are used, it is understood thatuse of other suitable non-portable PGDs may be substituted in relevantinstances.

General PGD Gaming Systems

In one or more embodiments, the PGD 20 is associated with a gamingsystem. In a preferred embodiment, the PGD 20 is only operable or atleast incapable of presenting certain functions or features unlessassociated with such a system. An exemplary gaming system 60 inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG.3. As illustrated therein, the gaming server 60 includes a personalgaming device interface 62. This PGD interface 62 serves as a gateway todata communications between the PGD 20 and various networks, servers andother devices. In one embodiment, data communications between the PGD 20and the PGD interface 62 is via a transceiver 64 associated with the PGDinterface 62. In general, the transceiver is arranged to receiveinformation from the PGD interface 62 and transmit it to the PGD 20and/or receive information from the PGD 20. As illustrated, a PGD 20 maycommunicate directly with the transceiver 64. It will be appreciated,however, that limitations may exist as to the range over which such datacan be accurately transmitted. Therefore, in one or more embodiments,one or more relays 66 may be provided for receiving and re-transmittingthe data to the appropriate location.

As stated above, in a preferred embodiment, the PGD interface 62 servesas a gateway or interface between the one or more PGDs 20 and one ormore other devices, systems or networks. The interface 62, whether inthe form of a wireless interface or a docking station (as described inmore detail below), may be associated with or reside in a kiosk, slot orother type of gaming machine, a point of sale device, a personalcomputer or the like. As illustrated, in one embodiment, the PGDinterface 62 is associated with a financial server 68 either via adirect link (as illustrated in FIG. 3) or via a network (as illustratedin FIG. 9). The financial server 68 may be a computer or be associatedwith a computer having a processing unit and one or more data files. Thefinancial server 68 is preferably arranged to confirm financialtransaction data. For example, in order for player to be permitted toplay a game using the PGD 20, the player may be required to place a bet.In one embodiment, the bet may be placed using a credit card. In suchevent, the player may swipe their credit card using the card reader 50associated with the PGD 20. This data may be transmitted to thefinancial server 68 for confirmation (and as is known in the art,generation of financial transaction data, such as a transaction date,time and value).

In one embodiment, the system 60 includes a game server 70. Asillustrated, the game server 70 is associated with the PGD interface 62,either directly or via a network. In one or more embodiments, the gameserver 70 is, or is associated with, a computing device, such as aprocessor adapted to execute game code. Preferably, the game server 70is arranged to provide game data to the PGD 20 via the interface 62.This game data may comprise video data for generating an image on adisplay 34 of the PGD 20, and sound data for generating sound emitted bythe speaker 36. The game server 70 is preferably also adapted to receiveinput from a player, such as a player selection during the play of agame. In one embodiment, a reservation server 72 is connected to the PGDinterface 62, either directly or via a network. The reservation server72 may be arranged to accept reservation selections, and provideinformation regarding available hotel rooms, rates, shows, restaurantsand the like for use by a player of the PGD 20 in making a reservationselection.

While the PGD 20 may communicate with other devices via direct networklinks as illustrated in FIG. 2, the PGD 20 may communicate with avariety of other devices via a network, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Forexample, the PGD 20 may communicate with a prize server 90, a playertracking server 92, a progressive server 94, an authentication server96, an accounting server 98, a promotional server 100, and a cashlesstransaction server 102, among others in addition to the gaming server 70and financial server 68, via a network. As will be appreciated, suchservers can be separate physical devices, or some or all may beintegrated onto a single physical device, such as where each “server”comprises one or more programs or modules adapted to control a givenfunction or service type on one comprehensive physical device. Eachserver may reside in any of a variety of locations, and some servers mayreside in locations separate from others. Of course, one typicallocation can be in a back room or other secured location accessible onlyto casino personnel. Other possible server locations can include, forexample, on a free standing gaming machine itself, on a kiosk, or at aremote location away from the casino or gaming establishment. As setforth below, a PGD 20 may communicate with these other devices via awireless communication link with the wireless communication interface 62or, referring to FIG. 8, via a direct connection with a docking station88. Referring to FIG. 9, the interface 62 and/or docking station 88 mayin turn be associated with or integrated into a kiosk 104, a slot orother type of gaming machine 106, a personal computer 108, or a point ofsale device 110 or the like. These devices may then be connected to orassociated with a network.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the PGD interface 70 isconnected to an Internet gateway 74. This Internet gateway may comprisea computing device that is coupled to the Internet, such as through anInternet service provider. In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9,the Internet may comprise or be part of the network that allows the PGD20 to connect to a variety of other devices, such as the servers. Inanother embodiment, the network may comprise a dedicated gaming networkwith which these devices are associated. The PGD interface 62 may bearranged to facilitate communication between devices, systems andnetworks operating in accordance with differing protocols. For example,the PGD interface 62 may be arranged to communicate with the PGD 20 inaccordance with a wireless IEEE 802.1x standard. On the other hand, thePGD interface 62 may be arranged to communicate with the financial,game, reservation and other servers operating in accordance with an IEEE1394 (“Firewire”) protocol, or Ethernet or the like. In addition, thePGD interface 62 may be arranged to communicate with the Internetgateway 74 in accordance with a PPP or SLIP protocol.

As will be appreciated, the data that is transmitted to and from the PGD20 is preferably provided with an address or other identifier of theintended destination of the information. This address information isused by the PGD interface 62 for directing data received from a PGD 20to a particular destination, such as the game server 70. Likewise, datawhich is directed to a PGD 20 preferably has an address associatedtherewith for identifying the particular intended destination. It willbe appreciated that more than one PGD 20 may be associated with theinterface 62, such that a unique address or identifier is necessary toproperly associate data with its intended destination. In one or moreembodiments, the PGD 20 may be programmed with a specific address orother security information, such as a password to prevent association ofunauthorized devices with the system 60. In one embodiment, each PGD 20may implement a data encryption/decryption scheme such as RSA or DSA.Some or all of the information or data that is transmitted to or fromthe PGD 20 may be encrypted to prevent its interception and use byunauthorized users. The encryption/decryption key(s) may be associatedwith the PGD 20 with a module or similar removable device. A user may berequired to obtain a module in order for the PGD 20 to function.

Various methods of using a personal gaming device such as the PGD 20illustrated in FIG. 1 will now be described. First, a player obtains aPGD 20. In one arrangement, a casino may allow a player to check out aPGD 20. For example, a casino may have a central desk or station atwhich a player may obtain a PGD 20. In one embodiment, a player may berequired to leave a deposit to check the device out, helping ensure thatthe player will return the PGD when they are done using it. In someembodiments, a player may be required to rent the device, such as bypaying a fee for the time during which the player uses the PGD or has itchecked out. As an alternative, a player may also be permitted topurchase a PGD from a casino or other gaming establishment. This optioncan be particularly useful where players wish to have or own their ownPGDs, and where a casino or gaming operator wishes to have a more securesystem with only a set kind of PGD and/or PGD programming.

In still other embodiments, a player may be permitted to use his or herown device, such as an outside PDA, laptop, iPod®, cell phone, or othersimilar device, as noted above. In such instances, a player would berequired to provide a separate outside device capable of supporting thenecessary system software. The player would then preferably need to gothrough the process of having one or more system programs downloaded tohis or her outside PDA or other device. Having obtained a casino PGD orhad his or her own device properly programmed, the player may be able touse the device at a variety of locations, including at a kiosk, slotmachine, casino area, personal computer or the like (see FIG. 9). Itwill be readily appreciated that the process of obtaining a PGD might beapplied to any of the three primary types of PGD processes: serial,video clip, and command download.

Process Type I: Serial PGD Processes

Once a player or user has obtained an appropriately programmed PGD, theuser may be permitted to engage in one or more activities. In oneembodiment, some activities may be presented by the PGD itself. Forexample, software code may be stored in the memory 56 for execution bythe processing unit 52 of the PGD for permitting certain functions, suchas the playing of music, display of “how to use” or “help” informationand the like. In some embodiments, however, the number of functions thatare fully supported by an appropriate PGD are limited. This limits thetotal amount of memory that the PGD needs to have, which can beadvantageous where a particular device is limited with respect tomemory. In such circumstances, one or more functions or activities canbe supported only by associating the PGD with a gaming system, such asthat which is illustrated in FIG. 3.

In one embodiment, when the PGD is turned on, such as with the ON/OFFbutton 47 of exemplary PGD 20, the PGD is adapted to send a signal tothe PGD interface 62 or other device for establishing a communicationlink. Once this communication link is provided, data may be transmittedto and from the PGD 20 and the other networks/systems/devices. Once acommunication link is established, master menu information may betransmitted from the PGD interface 62. For example, casino personnel maygenerate menu information and load it into a memory associated with thePGD interface 62. Upon a PGD 20 establishing a communication link withthe PGD interface 62, the menu information may be transmitted to the PGD20 for display thereon.

A player may then select one or more activities or functions from thedisplayed menu. Input may be provided by touching an area of the screen34 associated with a menu item, providing keypad entry, or in othermanners. In one embodiment, a player may be permitted to engage inactivities or obtain services at no charge. For example, a player may bepermitted to access the Internet using a PGD, such as a casino providedPGD 20, at no charge to the player. The player may also be permitted toobtain show, ticket, hotel, restaurant and other information and placereservations and the like at no charge.

In one or more embodiments, a player is required to pay to engage in oneor more activities. In a preferred embodiment, a player is required toplace a bet or ante in order to play one or more games. Of course, oneor more games may be provided for free. Alternatively, a player may berequired to place a bet or ante if the player is to be entitled to anaward or winning if the outcome of the game is a winning outcome. Inanother embodiment, the casino or other party may give away prizes. Forexample, a player may be permitted to play in one or more complimentarygames, with the player being awarded a prize (money, a hotel night stay,free dinner or the like) in the event the player is a winner of thegame.

In the event the player is required to place a bet or desires to place abet, the player may do so in a variety of manners. In one embodiment,the player may provide credit or value using a credit card. As describedabove, the player may swipe their credit card with the card reader 50.Data read from such a player card may be transmitted from the PGD 20 toa financial server for verification. In another embodiment, a player mayplace a deposit with the gaming operator and be provided with a playercard. For example, if a player checks out a casino owned PGD 20, theplayer may place a monetary deposit or credit deposit for such a use.The deposit may be associated with a player account and/or a playercard. The deposit data may be stored in a master database, with aparticular file being assigned an identifier. That identifier may bestored on the player card. Later, the player may swipe their playercard. The read identifier may be transmitted and the deposit dataobtained from the corresponding file. A variety of other methods may beprovided for a player to provide credit or value. For example, a playermay be provided with an encoded ticket (bar code or the like), smartcard or other element having data that provides verification of a playercredit or payment. Similar methods may be used where the player uses hisor her own separately owned PGD, such as through downloaded financialprograms relating to credit accounts, as will be readily appreciated.

In one embodiment, the player may select the amount of the bet or anteby providing input to the PGD 20. For example, once a player hasselected a game for play, a gaming server may transmit bet screen data.The bet screen may indicate to a player that the player may bet anywherefrom 1 to 5 credits, each credit having a value (such as $0.25 US, $1.00US or the like). The player may select the desired bet. Upon receivingthe data, the game server may instruct the player to provide thenecessary credit, such as by swiping the credit card. In one embodiment,a player may create a bank of credits from which the player may placebets. For example, a player may be permitted to place a large depositwith the operator or may use their credit card to create a largedeposit. This deposit may be associated with an account of the player.The total credit of the player may be displayed by the PGD. Such anarrangement may be similar to that of current gaming machines were aplayer may provide a $20 bill to generate 20 $1 credits, with the numberof credits indicated to the player. Once verification has been providedof the player bet or ante, the player may be permitted to play the game.In a preferred embodiment, the game data is generated by the game server70 and transmitted to the PGD. FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of anexemplary PGD 20 that is displaying a screen of a game of video poker,the screen displaying cards and instructions to the player. The playermay provide input to the game server 70 as necessary. In one embodiment,a player may be permitted to raise their bet or ante, or otherwise placeother bets, during the course of the game. In such event, the player mayprovide credit as described above.

Depending on the outcome of the game, an award or winning may beprovided to the player. In one embodiment, a winning is associated withan account of the player or may be credited to the credit card accountof the player. In another embodiment, the PGD 20 may include a ticketprinter or other device for issuing an element having the valueassociated therewith (or at least data regarding the value the playerwon). At the end of a game or group of games, the result(s) are uploadedto the accounting server (if a communication link is present), or storedin a secure memory for later upload and reconciliation (if acommunication link between the PGD and the accounting server is notpresent). A player may play any number of games, switch to otheractivities, or return the PGD 20 at any time.

In one or more embodiments, means may be provided for ensuring that thePGDs 20 are returned and not stolen. First, in one embodiment, the PGDs20 may be restricted to use in a particular area. For example, use ofthe devices may be permitted only in a particular game room. Bymonitoring the exits, the theft or loss of the PGDs 20 may becontrolled. In another embodiment, a “fence” may be created which, ifthe PGD 20 is crossed over, results in one or more security measuresbeing activated. The fence may comprise one or more emitters that emit asignal detectable in a restricted area by the PGD 20. Upon detecting thesignal, the PGD 20 may be arranged to generate a loud audible signal(such as by speaker 36) warning that the PGD 20 is being removed fromthe authorized area. The PGD 20 may also be arranged to display awarning message to a player. In one embodiment, a memory of the PGD 20may be erased, preventing further use of the device (without returningit back to the gaming operator for resetting the device) and protectingthe gaming operator by preventing the player from obtaining any criticalinformation which would otherwise be associated with the device. Inanother embodiment, operation of the PGD 20 is simply disabled when anetwork or communication connection is not present. In this manner, thePGD 20 is operable only within a limited, defined perimeter. Furtherdetails of these embodiments are provided in greater detail below.

In this regard, one advantage of some embodiments of the PGD 20 is thatit may be configured so that gaming code is not stored or resident atthe PGD 20, except during use. In particular, gaming code that isutilized to present and play the game can be stored remotely, such as atthe game server 70. The game data may be transferred to the PGD 20 onlyupon authorization for presenting a game. Therefore, even theft of thedevice would not result in the thief obtaining proprietary, importantgame code in such embodiments. Of course, other embodiments may includetimes where game code, portions of game code and/or other pertinentsystem programs can remain stored on the PGD, particularly where theftor inspection of such code, programs, or portions thereof would not beparticularly troublesome to the gaming operator. For example, portionsof code that simply instruct the PGD on how to display a certain type ofgame, but do contain any random number generator (“RNG”) functionality,other game result program code, or other sensitive proprietary code maybe better off being left on a PGD for future use, so as to minimize theamount of downloading that is required for a given game or gamingsession.

In one or more embodiments of the invention, the PGD 20 may be“customized” for a particular player. In one embodiment, a player maycreate a player account. This account may not only include creditinformation, but may include player preference information. For example,a player may designate that they prefer to play a particular game andplace bets in a particular denomination. These preferences may beindicated by a player on a sign-up sheet that is then used to create theaccount, or by input to a program interface that players may use togenerate their accounts. The PGD 20 may be customized in other manners.For example, the PGD may be configured to display information via agraphical user interface. The color(s) of elements of the interface maybe personalized. In addition, menus, “button” layout and the like mayalso be customized. In one embodiment, the player preferences may alsobe stored on a player card or other portable input device.

For example, at the time a player creates a player account, they mayinput their preferences. These preferences may be stored on a portablecard. The player may use the PGD 20 to read the personal information andconfigure itself accordingly. In one embodiment, the player is issued aplayer card that includes information regarding his or her playeraccount. When the player swipes their player card using the card reader50 of the PGD 20, information may be provided regarding the playeraccount, such as the account number. The player account may then beaccessed and the information therein be used to personalize the PGD 20.For example, the player account information may be used by the PGDinterface 62 to generate a personalized menu for display, or toautomatically present the favorite game of the player as customized withthe default bet of the player.

Additional embodiments of the invention will be described with referenceto FIGS. 4-7. These figures illustrate an embodiment of a method ofpresenting a game using a gaming device, such as the PGD 20 describedabove. Various other features of the invention are illustrated thereinand will be described below in conjunction with this method, it beingunderstood that the features may be implemented alone or othercombinations and method of use. Although the various method stepsdisclosed are presented in a certain order, it will be appreciated thatother orders are also possible or even preferable. For example, while itis disclosed that a player may purchase credits and then the identity ofthe player is verified and/or authenticated, a reverse order of thesesteps may be preferable in some cases.

FIG. 4 illustrates one method of presenting a game in accordance withthe invention. As indicated, the method may be implemented via a system60 such as that described above, the system including one or more PGDs20. As illustrated, a method of the invention starts with a step S1 inwhich a player obtains a gaming device. The gaming device may be of avariety of types, such as the PGD 20 as described above, a PDA, laptop,cell phone or other suitable electronic device. The device may or maynot be portable, and may be located remote from other devices of thesystem. In addition, the PGD may be one that is provided by or purchasedfrom the casino or other gaming operator. Alternatively, the PGD may beone that is from outside the system ordinarily, such as one that isowned and provided by the player. Third party providers of suitable PGDsmay also be an alternative in some instances.

In a step S2, a player purchases or otherwise obtains the right to playone or more games. One such method will be described in detail withreference to FIG. 5. As illustrated in FIG. 5, in a step S2A, the playeris preferably presented with at least the option to purchase one or moregame play events. As illustrated, the player may also be presented witha variety of other options, such as options relating to a playeraccount. As described above, a player may have an account that theplayer uses to provide value, such as for purchasing games or placingwagers. The account may be associated with a bank or other financialentity, or may be associated with the casino or game presenter. In theembodiment illustrated, the player is presented the option to (a)reconcile an account; (b) purchase games; (c) review or make an inquiryregarding an account; (d) withdraw cash or (e) deposit cash. Options (a)and (c)-(e) will not be described in detail herein, as they may beimplemented in a variety of fashions. These options may, however, beassociated with various methods permitting a user to access an account,make deposits, make withdrawals, obtain account information and thelike.

If the player selects option (b), then in a Step S2B, the player ispermitted to purchase one or more games or game events. This functionmay be accomplished in a variety of manners. In one embodiment, thisselection causes the PGD20 to connect to the game server 70. Preferably,the player then selects or inputs the amount to be wagered. For example,the player may elect to play $100.00 worth of games. In a step S2C, theplayer provides value representing the amount the player has elected towager. As described above, a player may use a credit card to providethis payment. If the PGD 20 is so configured, such as by including abill validator or coin acceptor, the player may also use currency. Inone embodiment, the player may utilize a player financial accountestablished with a casino or other game provider. The provided value maycomprise other than monetary value, such as player points or otherindicia which the game provider will accept.

In a step S2D, the player selects one or more games to play. In oneembodiment, the player may be presented with a menu of games to selectfrom. A player may select a single game or multiple games for play. Inone embodiment, the player may be provided with information regardingthe number of games to be played in relation to the amount bet. Forexample, a player may elect to wager $100.00 playing games of videopoker. The player may then be requested to indicate how much they wishto wager on each particular game. For example, the player may berequired to indicate whether they wish to wager $0.25 or $1.00 per game,or a default bet may apply to one or more of the games. If the playerselects or the default bet is $1.00 per game and the player has wagered$100.00, then the game server may indicate to the player that they areentitled to play 100 games of video poker.

It will be appreciated that the general purpose of the above-describedsteps is to define the number of games that the player wishes to playand has provided a wager or payment to play. As described, the number ofgames may vary dependent upon a number of factors, including the totalamount the player wishes to wager and the amount of the wager per gameor cost to play each game. Thus, the steps may vary depending on variousfactors. For example, game play packages may be offered for playerselection. A game play package might comprise the option to play 25video poker games at $1.00 per game for a certain wager, such as $25.00,or even at a discount. In this example, the player may only need toselect one of the game play packages and provide the appropriate wager.

Next, the identity of the player and/or the right of the player to playthe game may be verified. In one embodiment, in a step S2E, certaininformation regarding the player is obtained. As illustrated, thisinformation comprises biometric information, such as a fingerprint ofthe player. In a step S2F, the collected information is used to identifythe player and/or verify their entitlement to play the games. In oneembodiment, this comprises comparing the collected biometric informationwith stored biometric information. For example, when a player sets uphis or her financial account with the casino, or in order to check out aPGD 20, the player may be required to provide biometric information.This information is stored for use in the verification process. It willbe appreciated that other information may be used to identify the playerand/or verify entitlement to play a game. For example, verification maybe accomplished through use of identifiers such as passwords or thelike. Other biometrics may be used, such as a retina scan, facialfeatures (such as via capture of the player image with the camera 41),or via other authentication.

In one embodiment, the verification step includes verifying that theplayer is of legal age to play the game. In one embodiment, only playerswhose age has been verified are allowed to set up an account or obtainor play on a PGD 20. In this configuration, verification is assured oncethe biometric information of a player matches that which is on file,since the player could not access the account or device without beinglegal age in the first instance. This prevents, for example, adolescentsfrom using the PGD 20 of another to play a game, as well as preventingthird parties other than the authorized player from using a valid PGD20. Such player verification or authentication procedures might befacilitated by one or more system servers or components, such as, forexample, authentication server 96 of FIG. 9.

In a step S2G, the game server 70 provides game information. In oneembodiment, as described above, this may comprise the download of gamecode to the PGD 20. The game code may comprise actual executable codethat enables the PGD 20 to present the game or games the playerselected. In one embodiment of the invention, base game code can bestored on or reside at the PGD 20. This game code might not by itselfpermit the PGD 20 to present a game. In this configuration, additionalcode or data must be supplied to the PGD 20 in order for the PGD 20 topresent the game. In other embodiments, further use of the storage andcomputing capabilities of the PGD may be desired, such that the basegame code stored at the PGD may be greater, and in some cases enable asubstantial or full ability of the PGD to play and present a game. Suchinstances may involve a command download of one or more entire programsfrom the system server, as set forth in greater detail below.

In one embodiment, the gaming server 70 is configured to transmit gameresult and/or paytable information. The game result informationpreferably comprises randomly generated game outcome data which, whenprovided to the PGD 20, causes the PGD 20 to present a game having theparticular outcome associated with the outcome data. For example, thegame outcome data may comprise random number generated results, such asa numerical code which, when provided to the gaming code, causes thegaming code to present a game having that corresponding outcome. In thecase of a “slot” type game, the outcome code may represent the winningoutcome “three cherries.” In other embodiments, the outcome code maycomprise more detailed data for use presenting the game using the gamecode. For example, the data may represent certain cards to be dealt tothe player in the game of Blackjack, as well as the possible additionalcards that may be selected by the player based upon the cards they wishto discard. It will be appreciated that the data provided to the PGD 20by the game server 70 may depend upon the number of games to be played.For example, in the example provided above in which a player has electedto wager $100.00 on $1.00 per bet games, the gaming server must provideinformation regarding at least 100 games. Information for further gamesmay be desirable, however, such as where a player is permitted to changehis or her wager level, and/or where additional games can be played withaccumulated winnings on the first 100 games purchases and played.

As indicated, the data may also comprise paytable data. This data isuseful is calculating the outcome and/or payoff of a winning outcome. Itwill be appreciated that the paytable is generally independent of theoutcome of the game, but may vary depending upon the amount wagered.Thus, the paytable is necessary to compute the amount won when playersmay select differing wager amounts. In one embodiment, additional datais provided to the PGD 20. This data may include biometric dataregarding the player and/or global positioning system (“GPS”) data. Oncethe data or information has been provided to the PGD 20 in step S2H, thegaming server 70 preferably sends information to the financial server 68for later reconciliation. This information may comprise, for example,data regarding the win or loss associated with each game for which datawas provided to the PGD 20. In this manner, as the player plays thegames, the win and loss associated with each game can be tracked andverified.

Referring again to FIG. 4, in a step S3, the player initiates a gamingsession. The player obtains a PGD, such as exemplary PGD 20 or any othersuitable gaming device, such as those described above. The player may berequired to obtain the PGD from a particular source, may simply turn onthe device or the like in order to initiate the session. In a preferredembodiment, in a step S4, communication is initiated between the gameserver 70 and the PGD. In one embodiment, information is transmittedfrom the game server 70 to the PGD which, when received by the PGD,maintains the PGD in a mode in which it will present a game. As such,the information may be referred to as “activation information.” Theinformation may comprise data that is intermittently transmitted to thePGD. The interval between information transmissions may vary, but may be5-30 seconds.

Such an embodiment can be considered a “serial” action-by-action processinvolving the PGD and server, such that the PGD is essentially asophisticated display for the remote server, which is the entity that istruly running the subject game or games. Alternative “command download”embodiments involving the full download of one or more system programsto the PGD for extended “offline” gaming are provided in greater detailbelow. Under either form of embodiment, the activation and/or programcommand download information is transmitted via a wireless communicationlink. Preferably, the transceiver 64 and various relays 66 areconfigured, including in their number, location and power, to create a“game zone” within which the PGD will receive the activationinformation. Preferably, outside of this zone, the activation and/ordownload information is not received by the PGD.

In some embodiments, and particularly those involving a “serial”process, when the PGD does not receive activation information for acertain period of time, the PGD is configured to automatically preventfurther game play. In this manner, a user of the PGD is not permitted toengage in game play other than in certain designated areas, such as aproscribed gaming zone or in a casino. In some embodiments, certainfeatures of the PGD 20 may remain activated independent of theactivation information. For example, various other menu features such asthose permitting the player to preview games and the like may stillremain active. When the player is playing games via other than a casinoprovided PGD 20, such as an outside privately owned PDA or the like,various features thereof may remain activated, such as those which areindependent of game play.

In one embodiment, in a step S5, the PGD is verified for game play. FIG.6 illustrates one example of such a method, it being understood thatother methods may be used. Referring to FIG. 6, in a step S5A, biometricand/or other verifying information is obtained from the player. In oneembodiment, this may comprise reading fingerprint information using afingerprint reader 49 at the PGD. In addition, in one embodiment, GPSdata is obtained by the PGD regarding the location of the PGD. In a stepS5B, the biometric information is preferably compared to the previouslyobtained biometric information (see step S1G, FIG. 5). If in a step S5C,the biometric information does not match, then the session is ended in astep S5D. In other embodiments, if the biometric information does notmatch, the player may be requested to, one or more additional times, tryto match the biometric information, such as by rescanning theirfingerprint.

If the biometric information matches, then in a step S5E, the activationinformation from the game server 68 is evaluated. This may compriseevaluating the quality or time of receipt of the information anddetermining if certain standards or requirements are met. If theactivation information does not meet the requirements, then in a stepS5G, the session is terminated. If the activation information does meetthe requirements, then in a step S5H, the PGD is verified for game play.Referring to FIG. 4 again, in a step S6, the player is then permitted toengage in game play. In one embodiment, one of the games selected by theplayer for play is presented to the player. Preferably, at a step S7, itis determined if additional games remain to be played and if the playerwishes to continue playing. If so, then the PGD is preferablyre-verified in step S5 before the next game is presented for play.

As described above, in one embodiment, when a game is presented forplay, the PGD uses resident game code along with downloaded game data inorder to present the game. The game data may comprise data representingcertain “outcomes” for the games to be played. If the player wishes tostop playing or all games have been played, then in a step S8, theresults of the game or games played are preferably stored at the PGD.These game results are transmitted to the game server 70 forverification. In a step S9, once game play has ceased, the game server70 stops transmitting activation information, thus preventing anyfurther use by the player of the PGD in playing games in someembodiments, particularly those involving a “serial” game play processbetween PGD and server.

In a step S10, the game results are preferably verified. FIG. 7illustrates one embodiment of such a method. In a step S10A, the PGDestablishes a communication link with the game server 70. In a stepS10B, authentication occurs. Preferably, this authentication comprises aplayer providing a personal identification number (“PIN”) or otheridentifier, such as a biometric (like a fingerprint as described above).If authentication is successful, the authentication server 96 can notifythe game server 70, financial server 68, and/or one or more other systemcomponents that the current player is approved for play. Then, in a stepS10C, the game server 70 preferably establishes a communication linkwith the financial server 68. The game server 70 transmits the gameresults data provided by the PGD. This information may vary, but maycomprise information identifying the particular PGD or “game set,” aswell as the results of those games, such as a monetary balancerepresenting win and loss information for each game and/or total win orloss information.

In a step S10D, the financial server 68 retrieves the previouslyprovided session data provided by the game server 70 when the gameinformation was originally generated (see step S1H in FIG. 5). In stepS10E, in one embodiment, the financial server 68 generates the resultsassociated with the game data. This may comprise the financial server 68determining the monetary win or loss associated with each game outcome,as well as the total win or loss for all games. In a step S10F, thefinancial server compares the outcome data provided by the PGD to theoutcome data that is based upon the game server 70 generated game data.

In a step S10G, if the data is not the same, then in a step S10H theplayer is preferably advised of the discrepancy in the reconciliation.The player is then advised in a step S10I to seek assistance, such as bycontacting a casino representative for further investigation of theissue. In a step S10J, the financial server 68 preferably stores thedata used to perform the reconciliation for use by the representative ininvestigating the issue. If the data reconciles in step S10G, then in astep S10K it is preferably determined if the win for a particular game,or the total winnings for a group of games, exceeds a predeterminedthreshold. If so, the game results are preferably verified a secondtime. This step may also include additional audit procedures, such asconfirming game wins. If this additional reconciliation is notsuccessful, the player may be advised to contact a representative, as instep S10I.

If in step S10K the win amount is under the threshold, then in step S10Lthe player is advised that reconciliation has occurred. In a step 10M,the player is preferably paid any winnings. Where the player has a gamefinancial account, this may comprise the financial server 68 simplyupdating the player account information. The player may also be paidwinnings in other manners, such as by a ticket, credit to their creditcard account or the like. In a step S10N, the financial server 68preferably sends the win information to the PGD for viewing by a player.For example, the PGD may be caused to display a message such as“Congratulations, you won 1015 credits. Your account has been creditedand you now have 1873 total credits.”

Additional aspects of the invention will be described with reference toFIG. 8. As described above, in one embodiment, a player essentiallypurchases the right to play one or more games, and data or informationthat defines or comprises the outcome of the games is generated for usein later game play. FIG. 8 illustrates a system by which the user maypurchase the games for play. As illustrated, the system 60 may includeone or more stations 80. The station 80 may comprise a dedicatedstation, such as kiosk, or may comprise a home computer, or may eventake the form of a free standing gaming machine, as discussed below. Asillustrated, the station 80 has the form of a desktop computer having aprocessor 82, a monitor 84 and a keyboard 86. The station 80 may have avariety of other forms. The station 80 is preferably linked at one ormore times with the game server 70, such as via the Internet or adedication communication link.

In one embodiment, the user may utilize the station 80 to purchase gamesfor play. In one embodiment, the station 80 is configured to displaymenu or other information to the user in purchasing games or engaging inother activities, such as managing their account. In one embodiment,when the player has successfully purchased games for play, the gameserver 70 may be configured to transmit game result information to thekiosk 70. The game result information may then be directed to a smartcard interface 90, where the data may be written to a smart card 92 ofthe player. Once the data is stored on the card 92, the player mayremove it and then input it into a suitable PGD, such as the exemplaryPGD 20 as described above. Once input into a gaming device, theinformation may be read from the card 92 for use in presenting one ormore games.

In another embodiment, the station 80 may include a docking station 88.The PGD 20 may be configured to interface with the docking station 88,permitting information to be transmitted between the station 80 and thePGD 20. In one embodiment, the game result information may be providedto the PGD 20 via the docking station 88. In this embodiment, the usermay obtain the PGD 20 and then associate it with a docking station 88,or the PGD 20 may already be associated with the docking station 88 andessentially “checked-out” from that location. In some embodiments, thedocking station 88 and/or overall station 80 may be in the form of orattached to a free standing gaming machine, as set forth in greaterdetail below. It will be appreciated that in these embodiments, theexact sequence of steps for implementing a game may differ from thoserecited in FIGS. 4-7.

In accordance with the invention, a player may be permitted to access awide variety of goods or services other than those particularlydescribed above via a PGD. For example, a player may be permitted toaccess a room charges account to view the current room chargesassociated with their stay at a hotel. A player may be permitted torequest their car from a valet service, such as by entering a valet stubidentification number. A player may be permitted to obtain a widevariety of other goods, services or information, or engage in a widevariety of other activities.

The PGD of the present invention has numerous advantages. First, aplayer is permitted to use a PGD to participate in a game at other thana fixed location. The player may play a game at a location that isremoved from the location of traditional fixed gaming devices. Theselocations may include the hotel room of the player, a restaurant, a baror lounge, a sports book, a hotel/casino pool area, and a wide varietyof other areas remote from the fixed gaming devices. Of course, theplayer may also utilize the PGD to participate in a game in the area ofstationary gaming machines, and may even participate in games played onboth a PGD and a stationary free standing gaming machine at the sametime.

Another advantage of the PGD is that the device is easily transportable.The player may take the device with them as they travel from location tolocation, such as from a restaurant to a hotel room. Thus, while theplayer is engaging in other activities, such as eating or moving fromone location to another in a casino, the ability of the player to play agame might not be interrupted. Another advantage of the PGD is that itsconfiguration results in ease of use. The PGD is preferably hand-held,and wireless and can thus easily be transported by a player. Inaddition, the exemplary PGD 20 is simplistic in design to make its useeasily understandable by even inexperienced players. In general,necessary acts by a player may be prompted, such as with instructionsdisplayed on the display or provided audibly through the speaker 36. Theability of a player to use his or her own familiar PDA, laptop, cellphone, or other suitable private device in some embodiments is alsoadvantageous.

The PGD 20 is also versatile, and is not limited to presenting only agame for play by a player. As noted, a player or user of the PGD 20 mayutilize the PGD to access a wide variety of information and obtain awide variety of services. The player may access the Internet, obtaininginformation therefrom (such as news and weather) and may obtain goodsand services there through (such as by placing orders with vendorshaving websites). The player may make room, show or restaurantreservations and obtain hotel/casino information.

One aspect of the invention is a method of presenting games via one ormore PGDs in which the devices have resident game code for presenting agame, but which without additional game data will not allow the game tobe played. Preferably, the additional game data comprises game resultdata, such as RNG and/or paytable information. This configuration hasthe advantage that substantially all of the game code can be stored onthe PGD, thus reducing the download times associated with configurationthe device for game play. At the same time, however, the PGD will notpresent games without first receiving the additional data.

A related advantage of the game is the ability of the player to pay fora block of games at a single time. Instead of being forced to confirmpayment for each game to be played when it is played, such as by creditcard authorization, the player pays for the “game results” for a blockof games all at the same time. As one aspect of the invention, the gameresults may be provided on a game card, such as a smart card. The playermay then keep the game results and use them to play games on portabledevices (e.g., PGDs) at various times and in various locations. Forexample, the player may purchase 100 games and the associated “results”may be stored on a player card. The result information may be read by aPGD for use in presenting games to a player. The player may then electto play additional of the games at a later time, even using a differentdevice. At that later time, the result information may again be read andused to present additional games.

Another advantage of the invention is a configuration that ensures thatthe PGD is being used in the proper location(s), by the proper player(s)and/or is not being stolen or tampered with. As described, thiscomprises a system in which activation information is transmitted to thePGD, and where if the information is not received or confirmed, the PGDwill not present games for play and/or may even emit an alarm or otheralert signal. This prevents, for example, a user from taking the PGD orattempting to use it in unauthorized locations. This can also preventthe illegal or unauthorized use of the PGD, such as by a minor. Furtherdetails of such a “virtual leash” type configuration are provided below.

Process Type II: Video Clip Based PGD Processes

In another aspect of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11,a mobile gaming system, generally designated 1116, is provided forselective display of one or more pre-purchased games of chance. Themobile gaming system 116 includes a remote PGD (such as the PGD 20represented in FIG. 1) and a communication interface 118 (FIG. 11)adapted to communicate between a central gaming system 120 and the PGDto selectively receive pre-viewed gaming data representing the play andoutcome of the one or more pre-purchased games of chance, generated bythe central gaming system at a first time. The remote PGD 20 furtherincludes a housing 22 supporting a display screen 34, and one or moreinput mechanisms 46. A gaming device microprocessor device 52 isincluded which is configured to: 1) commence play or processing of thepre-viewed gaming data; and 2) selectively displaying on the displayscreen 34 the play and outcome of the one or more game of chance at atime-shifted second time, after the first time.

Accordingly, in this aspect of the present invention, one or more gamesof chance are pre-purchased and pre-executed on the central gamingsystem 120 (e.g., a backend server), at a first time, the play andoutcome of which can subsequently played and viewed on the remote PGD 20at a second time, after the first time. The pre-purchased games ofchance, thus, are fully executed in a secure gaming environment orsystem (e.g., the central gaming system 120), and then transferred, inthe form of pre-viewed gaming data, to the remote PGD for a completereplay execution of the play and outcome of the games of chance at theleisure of the player on their remote PGD. In essence, the play andoutcome of the pre-purchased games of chance are “known” and ratified atthe server side prior to play and viewing on the gaming device. Once thepre-viewed gaming data is transferred to the remote PGD, the PGD issimply applied to view the play and outcomes of the games of chance.Hence, in the most basic level, a video clip (or clips) of the gamingplay and outcome is transferred or downloaded to the mobile gamingdevice from the server for time-shifted replay thereof at the secondtime. The PGD is essentially relegated to a viewing mechanism thateliminates any player input, other than perhaps just pressing a buttonto enable one to view what happens in the next ‘frame sequence’ of thevideo clip. For example, a plurality of gaming video clips may bepre-generated at the server or backend at a first time. When a patronpurchases one or more pre-generated games for viewing at a later secondtime, this data may be allocated (say randomly) to the PGD in no setorder, sequence, etc. The PGD merely plays the video clips, which relateto an event that had already occurred in a secure environment, at thefirst time. To the player, however, this aspect is unknown and likely oflittle interest.

This approach significantly reduces the prospect of tampering since thesequential “play” and “outcome”, merely in the form of a video clip orsession file, are well defined and logged by the server for payoutand/or dispute resolution. The security issues, thus, are addressed fromthe server side. Accordingly, it would be of little benefit for a hackerto “look-ahead” to determine which games might be favorable, since theyare unable to “pick” and “choose” a winning video game.

In another aspect of the present invention, nonetheless, the post-viewedgaming data, representing the viewed play and outcomes of the one ormore games of chance on the PGD 20, is synced-up or reconciled with thepre-viewed gaming data stored on the central gaming system forauthentication of the game results transferred from the PGD. As will beapparent, such data authentication is desirable to significantly reducethe risk of data tampering to an even higher degree. This form of remotegaming is extremely advantageous in that the viewing of the play andoutcomes of the games of chance can be performed offline. Briefly, theoffline component of play is performed when the PGD 20 is not connectedto the backend gaming system during game execution by the player of themobile gaming device, while an online component of play is performedwhen pre-purchasing the games of chance, redeeming points, cashingand/or synchronizing with the backend gaming system for playreconciliation, etc. In this manner, all transactions would be performedwithin a legal casino jurisdiction.

Moreover, the present invention offers a standalone mobile gamingmethodology and practice for full-offline game play (i.e., viewing ofthe play and outcome) without the need for connection through theinternet, or any other network connection, or requirement that theplayer be physically present at the casino establishment during viewingof the play and outcome on the mobile gaming device. Accordingly, gamingon the mobile gaming device can be performed virtually anywhere, eventhough any type of network connection, such as cellular telephonenetwork coverage, is unavailable.

Referring back to FIG. 10, this mobile gaming aspect of the presentinvention will now be described in greater detail. In accordance withthe present invention, the entire mobile gaming system 116 includes acentral gaming system 120 and one or more remote gaming devices, such asexemplary PGD 20. The central gaming system 120 typically includes amaster gaming server 70 and a plurality of standalone gaming terminals(not shown) interconnected through a network system or the like.Briefly, while the central gaming system may comprise a large singleserver device, it is more preferably provided by a plurality ofinterconnect servers that cooperate to form the central gaming system.As set forth above in FIG. 3, for example, these may include the mastergaming server 70, the financial server 68, the reservation server 72, anaccounting server, etc. An accounting server, for instance, would beemployed to ratify the various credit in/credit out transactions;validate credit card transactions and perform inter-credit facilitationtransfers. The server may also allow credit transfer from a gamingdevice to a traditional device via system negotiation (master server tofinancial).

As set forth above in reference to FIG. 1, the exemplary PGDs 20 includea housing 22, a display screen 34, one or more input devices 46, amicroprocessor device 52, and internal memory 52 to execute gaming,i.e., viewing the play and outcome of the games of chance on the mobilegaming device. It will further be appreciated that while the remote PGDis preferably a personal, mobile or portable gaming device, in thisaspect of the present invention, it may also be a desktop computer, or aremote fixed or standalone gaming device as well. Preferably, however,the personal or mobile gaming devices include virtually any electroniccommunication unit such as a PDA, a cellular telephone, laptop computer,a dedicated mobile gaming device, etc.

While two-way communication between the central gaming system 120 andthe mobile gaming devices 20, via communication interface 118, may beprovided using the variety of I/O Device techniques already describedherein (i.e., wireless interface, RS-232 port 38, USB port 40, etc.),the communication interface 118 (FIG. 11) is preferably freely removablefrom the PGD. In this aspect of the present invention, the communicationinterface may be provided by an intermediary, removable communicationinterface 118 capable receiving and transferring the pertinentpre-viewed game data necessary to perform standalone, off-line gamingbetween the central gaming system 120 and the mobile PGDs 20 (FIG. 10).

The removable communication interface 118 can, in other words, interfacewith the central gaming system 120 through a system card reader device121 located at any dedicated standalone card reader, player terminal orkiosk 119. Similarly, the removable communication interface 118 caninterface with any mobile gaming device through a like card readerdevice 50 thereof. By way of example, through the system card reader121, the pre-viewed gaming data representing the play and outcome of thepre-purchased games of chance is downloaded to the removablecommunication interface 118 for storage on the memory unit thereof. Theremovable communication interface 118 may then be removed and insertedinto the card reader 50 of the mobile gaming device or PGD 20, thegaming data of which can be extracted and processed at a selected secondtime for leisure viewing of the play and outcome of the pre-purchasedgame of chance. In one specific configuration, at the users leisure, thepresent invention enables time-shifted viewing of the play and outcomeof the games of chance that were fully executed on the game server at anearlier first time.

The present invention, therefore, offers a standalone mobile gamingmethodology and practice for full off-line game play execution withoutthe need for a live connection through the internet or any other networkconnection. The player, in fact need not be physically present at thecasino establishment during viewing of the play and outcome on themobile gaming device. Gaming can thus be performed virtually anywhere,even though any type of network connection, such as cellular telephonenetwork coverage, is unavailable.

The removable communication interface, hence, can in the most basiclevel be provided by a high capacity, portable memory unit capable oftransferring the pre-viewed gaming data from the central gaming system120 to the mobile gaming device or PGD 20 to effect time-shifted playand outcome, at the second time, and to transfer the post-viewed gamingdata from the mobile gaming device back to the central gaming system fordata reconciliation thereof. Such conventional memory units include, butare not limited to, compactflash modules, flash drives, memory sticks,smartcards, microdrives, etc.

More preferably, however, it is desirable to provide an intermediary,removable, communication interface 118 capable of increasedfunctionality such as encrypting and decrypting usable data to reducethe risk of data tampering; performing player identity functions forplayer protection; and GPS location functionality to enable or notenable gaming operation in gaming legal jurisdictions. By way ofexample, as shown in FIG. 11, the communication interface 118 ispreferably provided by a JAVA® based smartcard, E-key dongle, and othermicrocontroller systems, which incorporates a processor device andinternal battery to enable the performance of the above-indicatedfunctionality.

A conventional smartcard is a credit-card sized plastic card with anembedded computer chip 122. The chip 122 can be either a microprocessorwith internal memory or a memory chip with non-programmable logic. Thechip connection is either via direct physical contact or remotely via acontact less electromagnetic interface. The chips typically applied insmartcards are microprocessor chips and memory chips. Memory chips arethe less expensive of the two, but provide a corresponding decrease indata management security. They depend on the security of the card readerfor their processing and are ideal when security requirements permit useof cards with low to medium security.

A microprocessor chip, on the other hand, can add, delete and otherwisemanipulate information in its memory. Since the encryption anddecryption of data is preferred to increase the security function of thesmartcards, this chip is preferable. Their ability to download not justdata but also applications is quickly advancing. JavaCard smartcards, byway of example, are based on Java technology from Sun Microsystems. Javais an object-oriented, platform-independent, multithreaded, programmingenvironment. Java is the foundation for smart Web and networked servicesand allows for secure enterprise extension through platformindependence. Different systems can talk to each other—from Java-basedsmartcards to supercomputers—regardless of the underlying hardware orsystem software.

In accordance with the present invention, the removable communicationinterface 118 preferably includes one or more security features topromote player authentication and proper location based operation of themobile gaming device. For example, the player may be required to enter apersonal identification number before use of the interface can commence.In another embodiment, a player identification device 123 may beincorporated into the smartcard in the form of a biometric sensorcapable of identifying the player. More particularly, the biometricsensor 123 may be a fingerprint sensor, a microphone, or the like.

In addition, the removable communication interface 118 may include asmall GPS sensor 124 to verify location of the device. Positionverification may be used to insure the mobile gaming device or other PGD20 is being operated only in legal gaming jurisdictions, and to tracklost or stolen devices. When the removable communication interfacedetects that the mobile gaming device is in a restricted area, orillegal gaming jurisdiction, the program logic may not permit datatransfer or game execution to and from the removable communicationinterface. GPS, which stands for Global Positioning System, is the oneof the more accurate systems today capable of identifying the exactposition of a GPS sensor on the Earth anytime, in any weather, anywhere.Briefly, using such a sensor, the location of the removablecommunication interface can be determine within a matter of meters.Other positioning technology includes triangulation techniques.

In another specific embodiment, the mobile gaming device can include asecond or secondary communication interface, such as wirelesscommunication interface 44 (FIG. 2), that enables communication with thecentral gaming system. This may include any wireless communicationprotocol such as IEEE 802.1x, Bluetooth, IrDA, TDMA, CDMA, GSM andHomeRF. The secondary communication interface may also be provided byany conventional hard wired I/O Device connection or port such as a USBport 40, RS-232 port 38 or general I/O port.

As will be described in greater detail below, the secondarycommunication interface can be utilized to download larger softwareapplications to the personal gaming device, such as firmware updates,advertising, video updates and control codes relating to the gamepresentation and game logic for viewing of the selected games of chance.On the other hand, all pre-viewed gaming data, affecting the play andoutcome of the one or more games of chance on the mobile gaming device,and all post-viewed gaming data, for data reconciliation with thecentral gaming system, are preferably transferred through theintermediary, removable communication interface. It will be appreciated,however, that both communication interfaces can be applied if necessary.

Referring now to FIGS. 12A-12D, the general operation and application ofthis aspect of the present invention will be described. The gamingexecution of this aspect of the present invention is considered passivein nature since the entire play session is generated by gaming server70, at the first time, in the form of pre-viewed gaming datarepresenting the play and outcome of the pre-purchased games of chance,and then downloaded to the mobile gaming device for viewing of the playand outcome at the later second time. The gaming data may in the form ofa preset format such as a video clip or a game-presentation logic filesuch as an mpeg file. In the most basic form, video data relating to thegaming play and results are transferred or downloaded to the mobilegaming device from the server for time-shifted replay thereof at thesecond time. Consequently, this passive execution embodiment issubstantially more secure in that there is significantly less potentialfor data tampering.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 12A, the operation commences at 140,where a player purchases, rents, leases, etc. a mobile gaming devicesuch as exemplary PGD 20, at 142, for use in connection with the mobilegaming system 116. Once the player opts to pre-purchase one or moregames of chance at 144 for viewing on the mobile gaming device, theplayer may insert their issued removable communication interface 118(e.g., smartcard) into a system card reader 121. Such card readers 121are preferably in direct communication with the central gaming system120, and may be located at the networked gaming terminals, or atstandalone devices such as a kiosk 119 or the like. Briefly, in otherspecific embodiments, as mentioned, the gaming device 20 may also beconnected to the gaming system by hard wiring directly to a playerterminal or standalone kiosk, through any of the aforementioned wirelessprotocols (e.g., the secondary communication interface 44).

Upon insertion of the removable communication interface 118 into thesystem card reader 121, an initial login menu displays on a nearbydisplay screen (not shown) of the player terminal or kiosk, promptingthe player to input their selection commands. By way of example, thelogin menu may prompt the player to first enter a PIN code, or otherbiometric identity information as discussed. Once these securitymeasures have been satisfied, the player may elect to purchase on moregames of chance by inputting the proper prompted information. As will bedescribed in greater detail below, such pre-purchase game parameters mayinclude selecting the number of games of chance desired forpre-purchase, and the type of video game, such as slot games, poker,pachinko, multiple hand poker games, pai-gow poker, black jack, keno,bingo, roulette, craps and card games. Other selectable pre-purchaseparameters from the display menu at 144 may include total amount bet(e.g., total dollar amount of number of credits) or the currencydenomination bet per game (e.g., $0.25 or number of credit bet pergame). At a minimum, at 144, the player must select the game-type, andthe number of games desired to be pre-purchased and/or the total amountdesired to wager. This game pre-purchase procedure will be described ingreater detail below in reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 12B.

Upon selection of the type of game, the number of games to be played,the denomination bet, etc., the play of each game is executed by thecentral server 70 to generate the pre-viewed gaming data. This data, inthe form of an entire data session or video data, represents the entiregame presentation, game play and game outcome of the pre-purchased gamesto be viewed in a time-shifted manner at a later second time. It will bereadily appreciated that this form of gaming at a PGD is somewhatdifferent than the action-by-action “serial” process discussed above, aswell as the “command download” of computer program(s) process discussedbelow. In the foregoing “serial” process embodiments, activitiesgenerally take place on a constant basis between the central server andthe PGD, on an action by action basis, while in the following “commanddownload” process, actual computer programs and code are downloaded tothe PGD for operation at the PGD. As noted herein, however, the present“video clip” embodiments involve the download only of .mpeg or othersimilar preset video files, such that action by action serial processingis not required, and such that substantial processing or computing ofgame play is not required by the PGD. In this sense, these “video clip”embodiments comprise various advantages and limitations of both of the“serial” and “command download” embodiments.

Within the provided “video clip” embodiments, for record keeping andreconciliation purposes to be conducted at a later time, the pre-viewedgaming data and all purchasing data is recorded on the gaming server 70records, at 146. Included in the recordation of purchasing data by thecentral gaming system are: the game selection (e.g., game theme forLittle Green Men); the game purchase time data (e.g., Purchased on Sep.20, 2004); Gaming data expiration date (e.g., 3 months from date ofpurchase (not to be confused with the “first time” which corresponds tothe time that the outcome of the last game of chance in this set ofpre-purchased games is generated)); the selected game paytable data(e.g., IGT # 1234 (paytable serial number, pre-approved by the GamingControl Board for Little Green Men, 97% payback, 25-cent denomination,etc.)); the Accounting data (i.e., the total amount bet (e.g., $100 feepaid), and the Game denomination (e.g., $0.25). Also included in thisrecordation purchase, may be optional data such as the PlayerIdentification data (e.g., John Smith, player ID # 3456P, andJurisdictional Control as required).

Upon completion of the purchasing data recordation, at 146, thepre-viewed gaming data is downloaded to the mobile gaming device 20, at148. Again, while the term “mobile gaming device” is frequently used forpurposes of discussion herein, it will be understood that any suitablemobile, portable or non-portable PGD may be used for purposes of thepresent invention, as appropriate. As above-mentioned, the pre-viewedgaming data represents the game presentation of the play and outcome ofthe pre-purchased games of chance. Hence, this downloaded data may be inthe form of a video clip of the same or a session file dictating thegame presentation and logic gaming data that graphically depicts theplay and outcome of the pre-purchased games of chance.

Such information would be necessary to incorporate on the mobile gamingdevice 20 in order to execute play, and generated and display theoutcome and presentation on the mobile gaming device. Thus, the gamepresentation data and the game logic data corresponding to the selectedgame theme need not be transferred to the mobile gaming device 20 toeffect viewing of the game play and outcome on the display since thegaming data transferred is merely in the form of a video clip, forinstance. The amount of downloaded data, therefore, can be significantlyreduced. More importantly, data tampering can be significantly curtailedsince the downloaded data is essentially “video” data of the play andoutcome, as opposed to “raw” data. Accordingly, there is little benefita player altering the data.

Referring back to FIG. 12A, at 150, the removable communicationinterface 118 is inserted into the mobile gaming device 20 for transferof the pre-viewed gaming data thereto from the gaming server. Asmentioned, each mobile gaming device 20 includes a card reader 50suitable for acceptance of the removable communication interface 118,whether it is in the form of a smartcard, an E-key dongle, Flash memorydevice, or direct download from a venue based machine.

As will be described in greater detail below, at 152 of FIG. 12A, anoptional verification event can be required in one specific embodiment.Such use verification provides an additional measure of securityrequiring the input of player identity information and/or playerlocation information to permit operational play on the mobile gamingdevice.

The player can then commence off-line operation of the mobile gamingdevice 20 for viewing of the pre-viewed gaming data, at virtually anyvenue, barring jurisdictional issues, and at any time. Through theplayer operation of the one or more input mechanisms 46 of the mobilegaming device 20, viewing of the play and outcome of one or morepre-purchased games of chance can commence. As mentioned, such executionand viewing of the play and outcome “video clip” of the games of chanceshown on the display device of the mobile gaming device, the last ofwhich is generated at the second time, after the first time.Accordingly, a time-shifted execution and viewing of the pre-purchasedgames can be performed virtually any place. At this time, the pre-viewedgaming data becomes post-viewed gaming data, a term of art in thisinstance for data reconciliation for essentially the same gaming data,unless altered. In other embodiments, after such viewing, the gamingdata may be “flagged” as being viewed

Referring back to FIG. 12A, after viewing of the play and outcome ofeach game, at 154, the mobile gaming device 20 determines whetherviewing has been entirely completed, at 156. If any viewing of thepre-viewed gaming data still remains, then play may continued until allthe remaining games have been exhausted on the mobile gaming device 20.If no game play remains, then the gaming device microprocessor device 52is directed to store the post-viewed gaming data, at 158, back onto theremovable communication interface 118.

As mentioned above, to redeem their account and “settle-up” with thecasino operation, especially in the event of a winning game session, theplayer or user must communicate the post-viewed gaming data back to theaccounting server 68 of the central gaming system 120. This is performedby removing the removable communication interface 118 from the mobilegaming device card reader 50 and inserting it into one of the systemcard readers 121 capable of communicating with the accounting server 68of the central gaming system 120. These card readers 121, for instance,may be located at the gaming terminals, or at designated kiosks.Briefly, other reconciliation techniques may include ratification byphone code, so generated by the PGD, Internet access with a secret key(generated by the PGD) and/or voice ID over a phone system.

In accordance with the present invention, therefore, the post-viewedgaming data must be reconciled with the pre-viewed gaming data generatedby and stored with the central gaming system 120, at 160. In thismanner, the data can be authenticated to significantly minimize and/ordeter the possibility of data tampering. Briefly, once the post-viewedgaming data is downloaded from the removable communication interface118, via the system card reader 121, the accounting server 68 recallsthe associated pre-viewed gaming data initially downloaded from thegaming server 70 to the removable communication interface 118.Subsequently, after the system generated pre-viewed gaming data gameplay and outcome (i.e., the game results) are compared with thepost-viewed gaming data transferred from the mobile gaming device (e.g.,PGD 20) for data reconciliation thereof, the procedure ends at 162. Suchdata reconciliation, however, will be described in greater detail inreference to FIG. 12D.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 12B, where the pre-purchase (144) ofthe one or more games of chance is discussed in greater detail for thepassive mobile gaming method of FIG. 12A. As above-mentioned, the playermay access the gaming server 70 of the central gaming system 120 at anykiosk, gaming terminal, etc., having a system card reader 121 anddisplay screen coupled to the central gaming system 120. Such an accessmay also take place at a specialized free standing gaming machine, asdescribed in greater detail below. After commencement of the gamespre-purchase at 164, a user friendly menu is displayed on the displayscreen, similar to that illustrated at 166. In this menu example, topre-purchase one or more games of chance, the player would select “B”,at 168.

At 170, the player is prompted to insert their player's removablecommunication interface 118 in the designated card reader 121 (e.g., atthe kiosk) to establish communication with the gaming server 70.Briefly, at this stage, an optional identity verification procedure maybe performed, similar to that at 152 of FIG. 12A. This event will bedescribed in greater detail below.

Referring back to FIG. 12B, on the display screen of the player terminalor kiosk, the gaming server 70 may prompt the player to input the totalwager amount desired by the player to wager. For example, the player maydecide to wager a total of $100.00. In one specific embodiment, amaximum total amount wager limit may be applied for control wagercontrol purposes such as those instituted by the Gaming Control Board,as well as for the protection of the gaming player. These maximum wagerlimitations may be customized to the particular player based upon theirpast gaming activity, credit history, etc., similar to player trackingtechniques. Further details of these and other “harm minimization”techniques and features can be found in, for example, commonly owned andco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/708,168 by Nguyen, etal., entitled “Player Verification System and Method for Remote GamingTerminals,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entiretyand for all purposes.

Besides the input of the total wager bet, at 170, the player musttypically select other certain parameters. For instance, the gamingserver 70 may prompt the player to further input the currencydenomination (e.g., $0.25), the number of games desired for pre-purchaseand/or further input as may be required. Generally, given three (3)parameters selections, the fourth (4) can be derived. By way of example,if a fixed bet only configuration be selected or offered, the player maybe prompted to selected the desired fixed denomination to bet, and thenumber of games for pre-purchase during the pre-purchase event of thepresent invention. Since the denomination bet per game will be fixed,the total wager amount will of course be the product of the fixeddenomination bet and the number of games to be played. Alternatively, inthese fixed bet configurations, during this pre-purchase event, theplayer may input the total wager amount and either the total number ofgames they elect to pre-purchase, thus determining the fixed bet amount,or the fixed bet amount, in which the total allowed games to play willbe determined.

Subsequently, at 172 of FIG. 12B, the display screen of the kiosk orgaming terminal prompts the player to make payment for their total wageramount. Using conventional techniques, payment may be performed throughcash insertion through a bill validator or coin acceptor, ATM, or creditcard information input or swiping the card at a card reader located onthe gaming machine or kiosk. Moreover, should the player have a playertracking account or account with the gaming establishment, they maysimply withdraw the appropriate funds from the previously establishedaccount. Once the payment has been made, at 172, the player may beprompted to select the type of game of chance desired for gamepre-purchase and play. For instance, at 174, the player may select fromamong, for example, various slot games, poker, pachinko, multiple handpoker games, pai-gow poker, black jack, keno, bingo, roulette, craps andother card games.

In more complex applications, however, more than one type of game may beselected for game pre-purchase. In these multi-game pre-purchaseselections, whether applying fixed or variable betting, the parameterselections become even more complex in that player may divide theirtotal wager bet per selected game, and then be prompted input theabove-mentioned selection parameters. A menu, at 174, may prompt theplayer to select one or more of the available games. The player mayselect (via the touch screen or via buttons) more than one game type,and the total wager amount they desire to bet per selected game type.For example, the player may desire a total wager of thirty dollars ($30)for Little Green Men; fifty dollars ($50) for Red White & Blue; andtwenty dollars ($20) for Triple Play Poker.

In this multi-game selection embodiment, the menu selection order maynot follow that shown in FIG. 12B. It will be appreciated, however, thatwhile display and description of the methodology throughout thespecification is in one particular order, this need not be the case. Forexample, as just mentioned, the game selections may be made before thewager amounts, etc., without departing from the true spirit and natureof the present invention. Moreover, although the player may have input atotal wager amount at 170, they are not required to bet their totalwager amount input. In this situation, the player may have a creditmeter or the like for their remaining total wager amount. For example,beginning with a hundred dollar ($100) total wager input at 170, if theplayer elected to play twenty (20) games, two (2) lines per game, andone dollar ($1) denomination bet for a total of forty dollars ($40),they would have a surplus of sixty dollars ($60) that would be creditedto their account.

Referring now to 176 and 178 of FIG. 12B, the player may be required toinput their player identity to authenticate and verify proper use of theremovable communication interface 118 during the game pre-purchaseprocedure. In this configuration, the identification sensor or devicemay be located at the kiosk or terminal, or on the removablecommunication interface. In other configurations, such player identityprocedure may be performed at many other instances of the pre-purchaseprocedure. Regardless, this optional authentication and verification ofthe player, prior to completion of the game pre-purchase procedure, canbe performed for security purposes. A more detailed description willfollow in the Verification and Game Play procedure of FIG. 12C, sincesuch system, features and procedures are similar. Once all the requiredidentification and security parameters have been satisfied, at 178 ofFIG. 12B, the gaming server 70 immediately generates the play andoutcomes for the one or more games of chance using numbers randomlygenerated by the gaming server, as well as the game logic andpresentation, etc. for the selected games. Preferably the entire sessionor video clip contained in the pre-viewed gaming data is generated andstored on the gaming server, prior to downloading onto the gamingdevice.

In other specific embodiments, packages of pre-generated games, inpre-viewed gaming data form, of any predetermined number (e.g., 10, 50,100, etc.) may be available. Depending upon the number of games desiredand/or package selected by the player, the server may randomly selectone of perhaps 10,000 available packages of pre-generated games ofone-hundred games. Hence, this selected package would contain pre-viewedgaming data of the play and outcome (video clips) of one-hundred gamesexecuted sequentially by the gaming server. Thus, in this embodiment,the generation of the pre-viewed gaming data is not just-in-time of thegame purchase. Such pre-generated packages may be available fordownload, even in situations where the player actually purchases lessthan then maximum number of games available in the package. For example,a package of fifty pre-generated games may be purchased, although theplayer only pre-purchases thirty games. In this instance, data tamperingwould be substantially curtailed since the purchased games wouldconstitute the pre-viewed gaming data of the sequence of the firstthirty games. Again, even if a hacker could “look ahead,” he or shecould not successfully change the sequence of the “video clip.”

The generated pre-viewed gaming data is then downloaded to the gamingdevice at 180. Other optional data accessed that may be down loaded ontothe gaming device, at 180, together with the pre-viewed gaming datainclude the biometric identification information, GPS locationverification data, as well as any other pertinent player trackinginformation including advertising data. Along with this pre-viewedgaming data presently generated or pre-generated, the correspondingpaytable serial number for the one or more selected games, pre-approvedby the Gaming Control Board, the percentage payback and thedenominations accepted for betting, the game session accounting data canbe calculated, as well. At 182, the gaming server 70 sends thepre-viewed gaming data, and all other pertinent gaming data to theaccounting server 68. At the end of the pre-purchase of games, at 184,the system returns to 146 of FIG. 12A, where the relevant data is storedon the accounting server for subsequent data reconciliation thereof.

Referring back to 152 in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12C, the optional identityand location verification procedure can commence before play of themobile gaming device 20. This player identity and location verificationprocedure is similar to that of game pre-purchase event 176 of FIG. 12Bperformed at the gaming terminal or kiosk during game pre-purchase. Forexample, as mentioned and as shown in FIG. 11, the removablecommunication interface 118 (in the form of a smartcard) optionallyincludes a biometric identification sensor 123, such as fingerprintrecognition sensor, and/or a GPS sensor 124 or positioning device usinglast known positioning or triangulation. Such identity and/or locationverification or “virtual leash” procedures may also take place duringgame play, as detailed below.

A fingerprint offers a reliable and inexpensive means of authenticatingthe identity of an individual. This is far more secure than PINs orpasswords, which are subject to being compromised or forgotten. Bylinking the player directly to the transaction process through theirfingerprint, a typically more reliable proof is given that theauthorized player is indeed present—not just someone who happens to knowa short string of numbers or letter. This capability has been engineeredby companies such as biometric Associates www.biometricassociates.com inTimonium, Md. and fingerprint Cards AB www.fingerprint.se in Stockholm,Sweden into a complete, embeddable fingerprint identification systemthat can be inserted into a variety of access devices requiring playerauthentication. Their product performs all sensor, processor anddecision-making functions within the module, greatly simplifying theincorporation of biometric recognition into small, mass-producedproducts such as smartcards and radio frequency identification (“RFID”)tokens. Of course, other suitable fingerprint sensors, processors anddevices may also be used or substituted, as may be applicable.

Briefly, in one example, one or more fingers of the player must first beregistered so that the fingerprint sensor 123 on the removablecommunication interface 118 can recognize the fingerprint pattern. Thisis accomplished in conjunction with an external enrollment station thatactivates and controls the process. As the player places their fingertipon the fingerprint sensor 123, it detects and captures the smallvariations in finger surface-capacitance and creates a three-dimensionalelectrical image of the fingerprint's unique papillary pattern. Thesesignals are verified and then programmed under the control of theenrollment station into protected memory on the communication interface118. Such information may also be downloaded to the communicationinterface as part of the pre-viewed gaming data during the gamepre-purchase procedure. Upon completion of the enrollment process and/ordownload of the pre-viewed gaming data, the module is “locked” andsubsequent placement of any finger on the sensor triggers theverification process. This involves comparing the previously stored“registered” template with fingerprint image using a special programmedalgorithm.

While the described biometric sensor device is incorporated into theremovable communication interface, stand-alone fingerprint sensorsavailable that can plug into PCs or laptop computers to providefingerprint images. A greater description of a finger print reader as anidentification device is also provided in co-owned U.S. Pat. No.6,488,585, issued Dec. 3, 2002, to Wells, et al., entitled “GamingDevice Identification Method and Apparatus,” which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety and for all purposes. Other types ofverification methods such as a PIN number or a password may be usedseparately or in combination with biometric identification methods.Other biometric identification methods that may be used with the presentinvention include but are not limited to feature identification using acamera, retinal pattern identification using a retinal scanner, voicepattern identification input using a microphone and hand-writingrecognition using a hand writing input pad.

Accordingly, after the start of this verification procedure at 181 ofFIG. 12C, the player may be required to first place their designatedfinger atop the finger print sensor 123 for capture of the fingerprintdata at 188. As mentioned, the capacitive array sensor chip detects andcaptures small variations in finger surface capacitance and creates athree-dimensional electrical image of the unique pattern of thefingerprint. Using the communication interface microprocessor, thisthree-dimensional image is then compared to that three-dimensionalelectrical image registered during the enrollment procedure, at 190. Inthe case of a fingerprint enabled smartcard, if the data does not matchat 192, the player is locked out of use of the communication interfaceat 194. If the data results do match, at 192, the person holding thecard (not just someone who happens to know the PIN) is verified as itsauthorized player.

In addition, the mobile gaming device, such as PGD 20, and/or theremovable communication interface 118, as mentioned, may have a smallGPS device or sensor 124 to verify location of the device. Positionverification may be used to insure the mobile gaming device is used onlyin legal gaming areas of the casino and to track lost or stolen devices.When the gaming terminal or kiosk detects that the mobile gaming deviceis in a restricted area, it may discontinue communications with themobile gaming device. Accordingly, at 196, the GPS data calculated atthe present position of use of the communication interface 118 can becompared to those jurisdictions were gaming is legal. Such informationcan also be downloaded onto the communication interface as part of thepre-viewed gaming data during the game pre-purchase procedure.

In the case of a GPS enabled smartcard, if the current position GPS datadoes not match at 198 with the legal jurisdiction GPS data, the playeris locked out of use of the communication interface at 200. If thecurrent position GPS data results do match, at 198, with the legaljurisdiction GPS data, potential use can commence. That is, once thefingerprint of the authorized player has been verified, and the legalgaming jurisdiction has been verified, the “smart chip” component on thecard is automatically activated to proceed and establish protectedcommunications with the host system, at 202.

For additional security, the mobile gaming device may have an encryptedserial number (code), which is used to verify and authenticate themobile gaming device. An electronic key may be used with the device.With an electronic key system, the mobile gaming device cannot beactivated until the key is inserted into a receptacle on the gamingdevice. Moreover, in some instances, a player may not want theiridentity revealed for privacy protection. For those players desiringsuch anonymity, the player may be identified as a unique ID (e.g.,player s/n 12345). This unique ID can be selected by the player,generated randomly by the central gaming system, or assigned as per thedevice. The player is then known to the secure financial server. Manyother forms of security may be applied as well. Those skilled in the artmay implement other conventional security techniques known in the fieldto secure data without departing from the true spirit and nature of thepresent invention.

The game play on the mobile gaming device 20 will now be described ingreater detail. As mentioned, once the player has satisfied all identityand jurisdictional verifications required by the removable communicationinterface 118, the player may commence play at 202 of FIG. 12C, whichcorresponds to 154 of FIG. 12A. In accordance with the presentinvention, as indicated, the mobile gaming device 20 may optionallyoffer fixed betting and/or variable betting schemes. Either bettingscheme, however, would have to be selected at the game pre-purchase,since the only interaction of the player, during viewing of thepre-viewed gaming data on the mobile gaming device is starting andstopping the viewing session. Hence, the betting schemes cannot bealtered during viewing of the gaming data since, as mentioned, this isessentially a time-shifted event that has already been consummated.

Accordingly, to commence viewing of the play and outcome of thepre-viewed gaming data, at the second time, the player merely executesthe “PLAY” input mechanism 46, either for each game or just once. Sincethe player is merely viewing a video clip, such as an mpeg file, of theplay and outcome, the only player interaction may be to start and stopthe viewing of the pre-viewed gaming data. For example, to simulate aslot game experience, one of the input buttons can represent the slothandle or spin buttons to commence spinning of the slot reels for eachgame. Once the reels stop and the game is over, the player may berequired to activate the “play” button to commence viewing of the videoclip. Other potential games requiring no player interaction that aresuitable for viewing of the play and outcome in this manner included,but are not limited to, pachinko, keno, bingo, and roulette.

Incidentally, during the generation of the pre-viewed gaming data, thegaming server can graphically insert an accounting meter of the accountof the player into the video clip for display, in the same manner as thepresentation of the play and outcome of the game. Again, this securetechnique only transfers “video” data as opposed to “raw” data, andthus, significantly deters data tampering. As indicated above, once thepre-viewed gaming data is actually viewed by the player at the secondtime, the gaming data will be flagged as being viewed by the player.Subsequently, this post-viewed gaming data is then stored on theremovable communication interface 118, at 158 of FIG. 12A, for datareconciliation.

Turning now to the Data Reconciliation procedure of FIG. 12D, whichcommences at 206, the player initially inserts their removablecommunication interface 118 into the system card reader 121. Aspreviously indicated in the game pre-purchase procedure and/or the gameplay procedure, the player may be required to input playeridentification data, at 152, such as a PIN number, code, fingerprint,and/or other biometric information. After the identification andverification procedure are satisfied, communication is establishedbetween the kiosk, free standing gaming machine (as detailed below), orother game terminal where the removable communication interface 118 islocated.

At 208, the list of menu options, similar to 166 of FIG. 12B, isdisplayed on the display screen adjacent or near the system card reader121. In this example, to reconcile their account, the player selects“A”, in which the accounting server 68 begins upload of the post-viewedgaming data contained on the removable communication interface 118, at210. As mentioned, this post-viewed gaming data should be the identicaldata, albeit flagged, as that of the pre-viewed gaming data.

Applying conventional data identification techniques, the accountingserver 68, at 212, retrieves the corresponding pre-viewed gaming datathat was originally downloaded to the removable communication interfaceduring the game pre-purchase procedure at 180 of FIG. 12B. At 214, thepost-viewed gaming data is uploaded and retrieved for reconciliation at218. A comparator of the accounting server 68 then compares thepreviewed gaming data to the post-viewed gaming data for datadiscrepancies. Should a data discrepancy be detected, at 220, theaccounting server 68 informs the player of the discrepancy during thisreconciliation procedure, at 222. For example, an audible alarm maysound and/or inform the player on the kiosk of terminal display screen.The player may also be advised to contact a casino representative todetermine the origin of the data discrepancy, at 224. For furthersecurity reasons, a snapshot of the mobile game device card data andgame program may ensue, at 226.

If the comparator determines that the pre-viewed gaming data and thepost-viewed gaming data are identical, at 220, the accounting server 68determines whether the number of wins are equal to or less than thepre-established maximum theoretical number of wins, at 230. If thisquery, at 230, is positive, the accounting server 68 is placed in ahigher security verification mode since an error has occurred and sincea secure transaction is about to commence (i.e. updating playrelated/win information) at 234.

Should it be determined, at 230, that this is not the situation, theaccounting server 68, at 232, informs the player of the successful datareconciliation procedure. The account balance of the player is thenupdated at 234. At 236, this information is then forwarded to the kioskor gaming terminal display where the player is playing and/or to the PGDof the player through secondary communication interface 118. Theoperation for the mobile gaming procedure then ends at 162.

Process Type III: Command Download PGD Processes

Yet another basic type of PGD process generally involves downloadinglarge portions of software to the PGD for gaming on the PGD. Suchinstances may involve a command download of one or more entire programsfrom the system server. Instead of the serial transmission of code froma game server and financial server to a portable device, or the transferof fixed video clips, a command download of an entire game from theserver to the PGD can be provided. Such a transfer can involve some orall of the game software being transcoded to a suitable computerlanguage, such as, for example, Java®, for a download from a centralserver to a PGD. Although the example of Java® is being provided herefor purposes of illustration, it will be understood that other suitablelanguages for such a purpose might also be used. In this manner,processing and individual game play computations can be handled by thePGD itself, rather than the cumbersome process of line by line orsection by section transmission of game play from the server to thedevice.

The use of such a widely recognized and used computer language permitsdownloads to be made directly to devices of many different manufacturersor vendors, such that players can also be permitted to provide a widevariety of their own PDAs or other suitable devices as PGDs, as notedabove. The central server can be the main device that notes that aparticular PGD is requesting a particular version of a game to bedownloaded, such as a Java® based version of a game, for example. Thecentral server can also be adapted to recognize exactly what kind ofdownload a particular PGD requires, such that appropriate downloads andor transcoding can take place to support that particular PGD. Whereneeded, additional translation software, such as that which is providedby Citrix Systems, Inc., of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., for example, could beused for the purpose of including even more devices as potential PGDsfor use with the overall system.

Because this command download process involves the transfer of largeportions of game play code, individual PGDs can be detached from thesystem for isolated “offline” game play in some cases. As will bereadily appreciated, such a detached and offline state simply may not bepossible in various alternative serial line by line process embodiments,as provided above. In some embodiments, the entire game software set fora particular game, such as “Red White and Blue” or “Little Green Men,”for example, might be sent to various individual PGDs for play, while inothers, only major portions of such game software sets might be sent.One critical portion of software that might be retained with a hostserver or gaming machine could be the RNG, such that actual game playoutcomes are predetermined at a controlled device, such as a casinoowned and operated server or gaming machine. Similar to the “video clip”types of PGD processes described above, actual game play outcomes couldbe predetermined using the RNG located at a system server or controlledgaming machine. Such predetermined outcomes can be referred to as“seeds.”

Within the context of a command download process, such “seeds” need onlybe the most basic form of predetermined game outcomes, with nothingmore, as opposed to entire video clips of outcomes, game plays andpresentations. Similar to the foregoing video clip PGD process type,such seeds are again predetermined game play outcomes, with suchpredetermined game outcomes preferably being created at a central serveror casino controlled device, such as a gaming machine. When using suchbasic game seeds, the game play and presentation can be made in a widevariety of ways to arrive at the predetermined game outcome or seed. Inother words, each seed need only contain enough information for the PGDto determine the outcome of an actual game play, without telling the PGDhow to present that outcome. A given command download of gaming softwarecan provide enough information for a PGD to be able to run its own gamepresentations that ultimately result in game outcomes reflective of anygame seeds that have been downloaded. Methods for creating andtransferring such game seeds from the central server or other similardevice to a PGD can be similar to those given for the various video clipPGD process types, although it will be appreciated that the amount ofcomputer code for a particular game seed can be significantly smallerthan the amount of computer code for an entire video clip.

Such command download types of PGD processes can improve on the othertypes of PGD processes at least with respect to the amount of overalltime spent downloading to or communicating with the PGD. Although aninitial command download of a particular type of game, such as, forexample, an “Elvis” game, a “Wheel of Fortune” game, or a “Little GreenMen” game, might take a significant amount of time, such a commanddownload can generally be a one time event for that particular type ofgame. Actual game plays for that type of game on the PGD might then bemade over and over again using the gaming software of that initialcommand download, with only a limited amount of further downloading orcommunication with a central server or casino controlled gaming machine.Such further downloading or communication can involve the transfer ofgame seeds, although it will be readily appreciated that the time neededto communicate basic game seed information can be relatively minimal.Conversely, the time needed to download entire video clips for play on aPGD can be relatively significant in comparison over the long term. Forexample, at a potential transfer rate of 56 Kbits per second, thetransfer of a single game play video clip might take about 30 seconds,the transfer of a full command download of software for a particulargame type might take about 10 minutes, and the transfer of a basic gameseed might take about 1 second. While the video clip PGD process typemight then be generally faster for 20 game plays or less, the commanddownload PGD process type will become significantly faster over the longrun for any further number of game plays. Of course, the foregoingexample is merely illustrative in nature, and other transfer rates andtimes may apply given the technology available and the size of thevarious programs and clips involved.

It is also contemplated that predetermined game outcomes or seeds couldbe generic to a variety of different specific game types. For example,one or more game seeds or predetermined outcomes could be applied to anyof an “Elvis” game, a “Wheel of Fortune” game, a “Little Green Men”game, or various other specific game types. Where such an arrangement isused, it may be preferable to include at least a portion of code in eachdownloaded game module, such as, for example, a Java® based download,such that the downloaded game module is able to interpret a generic seedand utilize the generic seed in a specific presentation of a game toarrive at a particular game result or outcome for that seed. Forexample, a given generic seed may represent a favorable 10× payout forits respective given game play. Where that generic game seed iscontained on a PGD that is running a “Little Green Men” game, thecommand download of gaming software on the PGD for that Little Green Mengame can be adapted to read the generic seed having a “10×” outcome andpresent a game result that shows 3 saucers on an appropriate payline,which result matches a 10× payout for that Little Green Men game.However, if the PGD is instead running a “Wheel of Fortune” game, thecommand download of gaming software on the PGD for the Wheel of Fortunegame can be adapted to read that same generic game seed having a “10×”outcome and present a game result that shows, for example, 3 Vannas onan appropriate payline, which result coincides with a 10× payout forthat Wheel of Fortune game. Although these two particular examples havebeen given, it will be readily understood that many other particulargame types and outcomes might also be used. Of course, where a givengeneric game seed represents a “no win” or nothing outcome for a player,the particular game software for any game being played can interpretthat generic game seed and then present an appropriate game play andoutcome that results in no payout for whatever particular game is beingplayed.

As will also be readily appreciated, many features inherent to processesfor predetermined game plays and transfers of such to PGDs can be commonto both the video clip and command download PGD process types. Suchfeatures can involve ways that discrepancies are resolved. Where aplayer buys, for example, a block of 10 video clips, game seeds or gameoutcomes, these outcomes can preferably be recorded to a host serverbefore being transferred to the specific PDA or portable gaming deviceof the player. Should the player then claim a loss of power, batteryfailure, or other malfunction, the same exact 10 video clips or gamesseeds could be downloaded again at a later time, due to the recordedversion being stored on the host server. In a preferred embodiment, theofficial version of any downloaded game outcome is the version that isstored at the host server, for both verification and security purposes.Thus, where a player presents a PGD that displays a final overall amountor game play balance that does not reconcile with the amount stored onthe host server, the amount stored on the host server can be the amountto be officially recognized. Disputes over differing amounts could behandled in a manner similar to other gaming machine or casinomalfunctions or discrepancies.

Such a foregoing feature can be particularly applicable to “slots” typesor other similar types of games involving a single game activationresulting in a final game outcome. For game types that may involve someform of player interaction, such as, for example, a video poker or videoblackjack type of game, it may become impractical to provide playerswith multiple opportunities to play the same games over and over untiloptimum plays become evident and can be made accordingly with repeatopportunities. Such types of games may require more advanced features toprotect both players and gaming establishments from the consequences ofpower outages, device failures and/or malfunctions. Such additionalfeatures may include a provision for flash RAM or other memory devicescapable of retaining game results in the event of a power loss and/orthe ability to transfer game results to a host server or system aftereach individual game play, among others.

In addition to the ability of the system to effect a direct transfer ofgame seeds, video clips, or blocks of either form of predetermined gameoutcomes from a system server or other host device to a PGD, either formof predetermined game outcomes can also be stored on a separate memoryunit, such as that described in commonly owned and co-pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/937,989 by Nguyen, et al., entitled“Apparatus for Pre-Determined Game Outcomes,” which is incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. As is notedtherein, a portable and preferably removable memory apparatus, such as asmart card, cartridge, “memory stick,” USB memory peripheral, or othersuch device, may include a player identification and one or morepredetermined game outcomes associated with the player identification.The portable memory apparatus may communicatively couple with a gamingapparatus, such as a PGD, provide one or more predetermined gameoutcomes to the gaming apparatus, communicatively couple and decouplefrom the gaming apparatus, and physically couple and decouple from thegaming apparatus or PGD.

In addition to various electronic forms of portable memory apparatuses,such as, for example, memory “sticks,” cartridges, smart cards, and thelike, portable game plays can also involve the use of prepaid tickets orother tangible media. Such prepaid tickets or other tangible media maycontain specific coded information that corresponds to particular gameoutcomes. Alternatively, a prepaid ticket may unlock game plays that arealready stored on a PGD or other portable gaming device. For example, insome embodiments block downloads of large numbers of predetermined gameplays or seeds may be made all at once to a given PGD, despite not allor even none of the game seeds having been paid for in advance. In aparticular embodiment, each command download of a specific game softwarecan be accompanied by a block download of 100, 1000 or even more gameseeds, whether paid for or not. Individual game plays might occur aftera player pays for them, which might be accomplished through a prepaidticket that is readable by a PGD peripheral, for example.

Subscription and/or anonymous game play might also be possible throughthe use of such advance downloads of unpaid seeds. For example, twoplayers might be registered to play on the same given PGD, which PGDmight have many unpaid for game seeds previously downloaded and storedthereupon. When Player 1 decides to play on the PGD, he or she logs intoa player account specifically designed for him or her on the device,which device may also be adapted to recognize Player 1 through a varietyof “virtual leash” methods and devices, as noted below. Player 1 thenplays a number of games as desired using the unpaid for seeds previouslystored on the device, upon which the player account for Player 1 is thenspecifically charged or noted for such plays. Player 2 may latersimilarly log on to the same PGD for other game plays that also drawfrom the block of unpaid for game seeds, upon which the account forPlayer 2 is then charged for such plays. Remaining downloaded game seedsor plays from those previously made in bulk that are never used mightnever be charged, or in the alternative, refunded if a precharge is usedfor such seeds or game plays, as may be appropriate. In suchembodiments, it may be preferable to include added security for any gameseeds, and particularly for unpaid game seeds, such that unscrupulousplayers are not able to reverse engineer and analyze such unpaid gameseeds before electing to pay for them. Such security might involvevarious encryption and hash techniques, as well as specific code thatcannot be understood without an appropriate system key, among othermethods, as will be readily appreciated.

Specific examples of potential scenarios involving gaming systems andPGDs adapted for a command download process will now be provided, withit being understood that such examples are merely illustrative and in noway limiting in nature. In one situation, “Paul Player” enters a casinowith his own personal PDA that is adapted to execute and display Java®programs. Upon seeing that his PDA might be usable with a suitablegaming system installed within the casino, Paul approaches adownloadable games desk and confirms that his own personal PDA is ableto run downloadable games of chance for wagering purposes at the casino.At this point, a connection is made between his personal PDA and adownload interface at the downloadable games desk. Such an interface canbe hard wired or wireless, as will be readily appreciated. Paul thenselects one or more game types to download, which can include, forexample, Little Green Men, Wheel of Fortune, and/or various other typesof games, after which a command download of gaming software for eachgame takes place from a system host to his PDA.

After one or more games are downloaded to his own PDA, Paul is then ableto decide how many actual game plays he would like to purchase. Forexample, Paul might purchases 10 game plays for $1 per game, after whicha block of game seeds can then be downloaded to Paul's PDA. As notedabove, such game seeds can be specific to a specific game type, such asLittle Green Men, or such game seeds might be generic, such that theycan be played on a variety of game types. Paul then also decides topurchase or check out several separate memory units having game seedsstored thereupon, in the event that he wishes to play further beyond the10 games that he has already purchased. Although it may be required thatPaul purchase any game plays stored on such memory devices at the timeof taking them from the games desk, some embodiments might involve acheckout procedure for such memory sticks or units, whereby charges arenot made until the game seeds stored thereupon are actually downloadedfor play. For example, where Paul checks out 5 memory units, each having10 games stored thereupon, and where Paul only plays the games on 2 ofthe memory units, no charge would be made to Paul or against his accountwhen he then returns the other 3 memory units with their game seedsstored intact. Of course, full charges might also be made at the time ofcheckout, if desired.

In any event, Paul then takes his own personal PDA with downloaded gamesoftware stored thereupon and leaves the downloadable games desk. Hethen goes to a restaurant within the casino and plays 5 of the gameswhile waiting for a table. After his meal, Paul heads for a hotel lobbywithin the casino to wait for his friends, where he plays the other 5games. While roaming the casino floor with his friends later, Paulinserts two of the portable memory units, playing all 10 games stored oneach one, after which he hits a moderately sized win and decides to stopplaying. Later, Paul returns to the downloadable games desk to claim hisoverall winnings and to return the unused memory units. Uponverification of the three memory units indeed being unused, a refund canbe provided, or no charge might be made against Paul's account, as mightbe appropriate. Verification can be made of the overall balancereflecting his winnings on his PDA, at which time Paul might then bepaid, such as by crediting his account, providing him with a ticketvoucher, or simply paying him in cash, in the event that thedownloadable games desk might also be part of a cashier cage at thecasino.

With one or more of his favorite games being downloaded to his ownpersonal PDA, Paul might then return to the casino or a similar suitablyadapted gaming establishment in the future and be able to play more ofthose same games with the same command download that was originallymade. For example, Paul might return the next day and purchase 20 gameseeds, either by direct download or onto a portable memory device, afterwhich Paul can play games using those game seeds for their outcomesusing the same command download software that was downloaded to hisdevice during his previous visit. Such command downloads of gamingsoftware for particular games could then reside on his PDA for as longas Paul wished for them to remain there, further facilitating ease inplay during many future returns to the casino.

Of course, it may be preferable that such software be resistant toreverse engineering, that various shrinkwrap licenses preventing suchreverse engineering be required of any player who accepts a commanddownload to his or her own PDA, and/or such a command download ofsoftware might also be written so as not to contain any trade secrets orcritical gaming code, in the event that it is reverse engineered in anyevent. For example, RNG and/or other critical game determinativefunctions or processes might be reserved for performance by a centralserver or other suitable system device, such that the only software thatis transferred to a PDA or other PGD generally relates only to gamepresentation and other display code. Such game presentation and displaycode can be non-sensitive with respect to potential reverse engineeringor outside analysis, but may be substantial in nature, such that it ispreferable to have command downloads to allow such code to reside onPGDs, rather than on the host system for a serial PGD process.

Specialized Gaming Machines

As noted previously, various downloads of gaming code or video clips, orsimple serial process interactions can be made with a variety of systemcomponents, from direct connections to a centralized server or to asecondary outlet or interface for such a server. Such a secondaryoutlet, interface or even server can be a free standing gaming machineitself. Turning now to FIG. 13A, an exemplary free standing gamingmachine adapted to accept wagers and present games of chance isillustrated in perspective view. Gaming machine 310 includes a top box311 and a main cabinet 312, which generally surrounds the machineinterior (not shown) and is viewable by users. This top box and/or maincabinet can together or separately form an exterior housing adapted tocontain a plurality of internal gaming machine components therein. Maincabinet 312 can include a main door 319 on the front of the gamingmachine, which preferably opens to provide access to the gaming machineinterior. Attached to the main door are typically one or moreplayer-input switches or buttons 321, one or more money or creditacceptors, such as a coin acceptor 322 and a bill or ticket validator323, a coin tray 324, and a belly glass 325. Viewable through main door319 is a primary video display monitor 326 and one or more informationpanels 327. The primary video display monitor 326 will typically be acathode ray tube, high resolution flat-panel LCD, plasma/LED display orother conventional or other type of appropriate video monitor.Alternatively, a plurality of gaming reels can be used as a primarygaming machine display in place of display monitor 326, with such gamingreels preferably being electronically controlled, as will be readilyappreciated by one skilled in the art.

Top box 311, which typically rests atop of the main cabinet 312, maycontain a ticket printer 328, a key pad 329, one or more additionaldisplays 330, a card reader 331, one or more speakers 332, a top glass333, one or more cameras 334, and a secondary video display monitor 335,which can similarly be a cathode ray tube, a high resolution flat-panelLCD, a plasma/LED display or any other conventional or other type ofappropriate video monitor. Alternatively, secondary display monitor 335might also be foregone in place of other displays, such as gaming reelsor physical dioramas that might include other moving components, suchas, for example, one or more movable dice, a spinning wheel or arotating display, among others. It will be understood that many makes,models, types and varieties of gaming machines exist, that not everysuch gaming machine will include each of the foregoing items, and thatmany gaming machines will include other items not shown. Such gamingmachines are made by many manufacturers, such as, for example, IGT.

With respect to electronic gaming machines in particular, the electronicgaming machines made by IGT are provided with special features andadditional circuitry that differentiate them from general-purposecomputers, such as a laptop or desktop PC. Because gaming machines arehighly regulated to ensure fairness, and in many cases are operable todispense monetary awards of millions of dollars, hardware and softwarearchitectures that differ significantly from those of general-purposecomputers may be implemented into a typical electronic gaming machine inorder to satisfy security concerns and the many strict regulatoryrequirements that apply to a gaming environment. A more detaileddescription of many such specializations in electronic gaming machinesrelative to general-purpose computing machines and specific examples ofthe additional or different components and features found in suchelectronic gaming machines can be found at, for example, commonly ownedand copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/995,636 by Nguyen, etal., entitled “Class II/Class III Hybrid Gaming Machine, System AndMethods,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety andfor all purposes.

With respect to the basic gaming abilities provided, it will be readilyunderstood that gaming machine 310 can be adapted for presenting andplaying any of a number of gaming events, particularly games of chanceinvolving a player wager and potential monetary or other payout, suchas, for example, a wager on a sporting event or general play as a slotmachine game, a keno game, a video poker game, a video blackjack game,and/or any other video table game, among others. While gaming machine310 can typically be adapted for live game play with a physicallypresent player, it is also contemplated that such a gaming machine mayalso be adapted for game play with a player at a remote gaming terminal.Other features, functions and devices may also be used in associationwith gaming machine 310, and it is contemplated that the presentinvention can be used in conjunction with a gaming machine or devicethat might encompass any or all such additional types of features,functions and devices.

One item that is specifically contemplated for use with the presentinvention involves a free standing gaming machine that incorporates adocking station for a PGD, such as that which is noted above. Referringnext to FIGS. 13B and 13C, two exemplary specialized gaming machineshaving associated PGD docking stations in accordance with variousembodiments of the invention are illustrated in perspective view.Turning first to FIG. 13B, free standing specialized gaming machine 410can be substantially similar in nature to gaming machine 310, with thenotable exception being the presence of docking station 488. Inparticular, gaming machine 410 can include a docking station 488 thatstands alone and separate from the gaming machine, such that it can beidentical or substantially similar in nature to docking station 88 asdescribed above. Accordingly, any suitable PGD 20 adapted for use in theoverall supporting gaming system could be used with such a gamingmachine 410 having docking station 488. A suitable connection, such ashard-wired connection 489 can connect docking station 488 with gamingmachine 410, and any associated added software, hardware and wiring (notshown) that may be required to incorporate such a docking station 488into a free standing gaming machine 410 can also be included.Alternatively, gaming machine 410 may simply be a conduit through whichdocking station 488 connects to a remotely located overall gamingsystem, such as that which is described with respect to FIG. 8 above.

Referring next to FIG. 13C, free standing specialized gaming machine 510can also be substantially similar in nature to gaming machines 310 or410, with the notable exception being the presence of integrated dockingstation 588. In this embodiment, integrated docking station 588 can bebuilt into the gaming machine itself, such that an associated PGD 520can physically dock at the docking station 588 and remain with thegaming machine 510. As shown, a specialized PGD 520 is in the process ofbeing removed from integrated docking station 588. Such a specializedPGD can be substantially similar in nature to any regularly suitablePGD, such as PGD 20 described above, with one notable difference beingthat specialized PGD 520 is particularly adapted to be docked at andremain with docking station 588, such as by a physical pin, lock,latching mechanism or the like (not shown). In a general sense,integrated docking station 588 and specialized PGD 520 can besubstantially similar in nature to docking station 488 and PGD 20 above,although several added features and capabilities may be preferred.

As one possible additional feature, specialized PGD 520 may be furtheradapted to operate in a different manner when it is in a “docked” modeor position at an associated host gaming machine, such as specializedgaming machine 510. For example, PGD 520 may operate as a secondary orother added display to gaming machine 510 when it is docked atintegrated docking station 588. Such a secondary display mode for thePGD 520 may be particularly preferable where integrated docking station588 has been implemented in place of a regular secondary or other addeddisplay. Where, as in the particular case of specialized gaming machine510, docking station 588 does not displace such a secondary or addeddisplay, such as where an information panel has been displace, PGD 520may serve as still another secondary, tertiary or further additionaldisplay. Such a display could be used to display even more informationto the player, such as, for example, bonus information, player tracking,paytable, advertising and/or other useful information. When no game playis currently taking place at gaming machine 510, docked PGD 520 mightalso be used as part of an attract mode, such as a general machineattract, or a specific attract mode pointing out the detachability ofPGD 520. For example, PGD 520 might display an attract mode message tothe effect of “Take Me to Any Authorized Remote Location to Play GamesThrough This Slot Machine!”

Of course, where such a PGD 520 is indeed undocked from gaming machine510, then its display will preferably operate as a primary game displayfor any games being played at the PGD 520, as described in detail above.In various embodiments, each PGD 520 might be owned and operated by theactual casino or other sponsoring gaming operator, particularly wherespecialized hardware is needed to attach, dock and possibly lock eachPGD 520 to a specialized integrated docking station 588 at a gamingmachine 510. Alternatively, docking station 588 might also be adapted tointerface with separate privately owned PDAs and other potential PGDs,such that players might also be permitted to provide their own personaland portable gaming devices. In other embodiments, particularly wheredetachment of a PGD 520 from an integrated docking station 588 simply toallow an outside PDA to interface with the docking station might beimpractical, specialized gaming machines might be provided having anintegrated docking station 588 and proprietary PGD, as well as anassociated wired docking station 488 to interface with outside PGDs.

While it will be understood that the various systems and implementationsdisclosed herein can involve the use of a general docking station 88 ora specialized docking station 488 adapted for use with a specializedgaming machine, such that outside PDAs and other suitable PGDs might beused, the following discussion will apply specifically to thoseembodiments where proprietary PGDs docked at integrated docking stationsat specialized gaming machines are used. As noted above, suchembodiments can involve the use of a PGD having two primary modes,docked and undocked. While the PGD can serve as a secondary device whenit is docked, such as a secondary or other added visual and/or audiodisplay, it is preferably detachable for use in remote gaming byauthorized player. In some embodiments, such a detached PGD can involvethe use of a “floating” gaming license to operate a gaming machine. Asis known in the art, a given gaming establishment will tend to have aset number of licenses for a given type of gaming machines, such as, forexample, Class III gaming machines. In order not to exceed its set limitof a certain type of gaming machines, each detachable PGD can be adaptedto operate under a floating license, such that there is an acceptableoverall number of gaming machine licenses for a given type of gamingmachine class in use at a given time.

In some embodiments, this can be accomplished by creating a one-to-oneassociation between each proprietary PGD and each specialized freestanding gaming machine to be used with the PGD system. Under such anarrangement, a given PGD 520 is to be docked at, detached and checkedout from a given associated specialized gaming machine 510, and can thenonly be returned to that given gaming machine. While the PGD is detachedfrom the gaming machine and in use, the associated free standing gamingmachine would not be available for play by any other player, and asimple message such as “Gaming Machine Currently Unavailable: In RemoteUse” can be displayed at the free standing gaming machine. Preferably,the free standing gaming machine would become available when theremotely located PGD is not in use, or at least when the player checkingout and detaching the PGD has logged off. In this manner, the license tooperate a particular gaming machine, such as, for example, a Class IIIgaming machine, would remain with the free standing gaming machine andits particular associated detachable PGD at all times, such that onlyone or the other may be played at a given time.

Under such an embodiment, a player checking out the PGD from a freestanding gaming machine may return the PGD to the specific associatedfree standing gaming machine himself or herself, or may be allowed todrop off the PGD at any of a number of designated locations. Further,such a player might be permitted to take the detached PGD to some offpremises locations, such as to his or her associated hotel room, whereleaving the PGD at the hotel room might be acceptable. Similar to thatwhich is noted above, the free standing gaming machine might be madeavailable for live in person play upon such an event as a player leavinga restricted gaming area with a detached and checked out PGD. Of course,it may be desirable to require players to belong to a program and placea deposit before they would be allowed to detach and check out aproprietary PGD, such as to prevent or deter theft or any other form ofdelinquent use of a checked out PGD. Such embodiments involvingone-to-one correspondence between proprietary PGDs and free standinggaming machines may be inconvenient in some regards, however, as playersmay not want to return to the free standing gaming machine at the end oftheir gaming sessions. Where such PGDs are then left at appropriate dropoff locations, there can be some down time before each PGD is matched upand redocked at its associated free standing gaming machine, thusrendering such PGDs as unavailable to other players in the interim.

In other embodiments, a more complex system can be established that doesnot require a one-to-one association between each proprietary PGD and anassociated free standing gaming machine. Under such embodiments, aplurality of suitable PGDs and a plurality of specialized gamingmachines can be incorporated into an overall system where any PGD can bedocked at any specialized gaming machine. In this manner, PGDs can bemore readily redocked at gaming machines once the player checking out aPGD has elected to terminate an association with that gaming machine,since casino personnel would then be able to dock any PGD that may behandy onto a gaming machine that is ready for redocking. Under such asystem, it may be preferable to have extra PGDs, such that gamingmachines having their remote sessions terminated and ready for redockingcan have replacement PGDs redocked quickly, without a need to locate aspecific PGD for each machine.

While such arrangements may be more convenient from the perspective ofplayers and casino personnel in charge of overseeing the docking of PGDsto gaming machines, such a system may be more complex from thestandpoint of tracking gaming machine licenses to ensure that the givennumber at any particular time does not exceed the permissible maximumfor the casino or gaming establishment. In such a system, it may becomedesirable to render each PGD as unauthorized to and/or even incapable ofrunning wager based games thereupon unless an associated free standinggaming machine has virtually transferred or associated its license tothe PGD. In this manner, each PGD may be operable for a number offunctions at any time, but can only be used for wager based gaming whenan associated free standing physical gaming machine has been rendered astemporarily unavailable for live gaming at the physical gaming machineitself. Of course, other suitable arrangements for ensuring that a givencasino or gaming establishment does not violate its various gamingmachine licensing requirements with the appropriate governing regulatorybody or board might also be implemented, and it is contemplated thatsuch other arrangements also be included for use with the inventive PGDsystems disclosed herein.

In general, the use of a docked PGD and specialized gaming machinearrangement, such as that shown in FIG. 13C, allows for a traditionalgaming experience at the slot machine as well as a seamless transitionto a mobile gaming experience within a controlled environment. Asalluded to above, during the time that the specialized PGD 520 is dockedat its associated gaming machine 510, an authorized player may decide tocheck out the PGD for play in a remote fashion by selecting an option to“undock” the PGD. This may be accomplished via various devices, such as,for example, an on-screen button, external button, or a latching levertype device that will create a notification event to the MGC of thegaming machine and/or a central system server. Such a request to undocka PGD 520 may require several modal changes in both the host gamingmachine 510 and the PGD 520, as well as a system level notification. Atthe host gaming machine 510, the main game screen and any associatedgaming displays can be switched to a simple “in remote level operation”style of display, to identify that the slot machine is being playedremotely, as noted above.

In addition, remote display software can be initialized, re-directingmain screen displays to the PGA via a wireless connection. Althoughtranscoding might then take place to scale the display, sound,encryption, and other game functions appropriately to the capability ofthe PGD, it is preferable that such transcoding has already beenaccomplished, particularly where the same proprietary PGDs are reusedwithin the system. Where each PGD is associated with a given freestanding gaming machine on a one-to-one basis, such transcoding for anygame capable of being played on the free standing gaming machine ispreferably made to the associated PGD when it is first installed to thegaming machine. Thereafter, future command downloads to the PGD may beunnecessary, except where new versions or patches for the specific gamesoftware might be provided. Where various PGDs might be usedinterchangeably with different associated system capable free standinggaming machines, and particularly where such various free standinggaming machines might have varying different game types playablethereupon, it may still be preferable for each PGD to have many or allpossible game types transcoded and downloaded via command downloads.

Where there are too many game types for such an arrangement involvingmultiple transferable PGDs, such that storage of each possible game typeat a PGD is impractical, it may be preferable to adapt each transferablePGD such that it can perform an initial interface with its newly dockedto gaming machine as may be appropriate. Such an initial interfacingmight involve the PGD and/or free standing specialized gaming machinequerying each other as to the games capable of being played on oneanother. Where a matching downloaded game cannot be found at the PGD fora game capable of being played at the free standing gaming machine, anappropriate command download for such a missing game or games can thentake place between the new host gaming machine and the newly docked PGD.Where a host specialized gaming machine is capable of playing only oneparticular game type, such as, for example, Little Green Men, then onlyone command download might be necessary, or none at all where the newlydocked PGD already has a downloaded module for the Little Green Mengame. Multiple command downloads may become necessary where multiplegames are possible at the new host gaming machine, such as, for example,in the case of various Game King types of gaming machines.

As noted above, when a player decides to undock and check out a PGD fromits docked free standing gaming machine, a variety of activities mayneed to take place at the PGD, the gaming machine, and the centralsystem server. In some embodiments, wireless network connectivity willpreferably have been previously established between the PGD and thecasino network or system, such that the overall network or system canrecognize the PGD once it has been detached from its host gaming machineand is operating in remote mode, possibly in cooperation with the gamingmachine from which it was detached. As noted above, a floating licensefor the game might be transferred to the PGD. Where a central gameserver is to take over the job of serving the remote gaming session,rather than the free standing associated gaming machine, then the gamingsession can be transferred accordingly.

A request to undock the PGD might also require an affirmativeidentification of a player to confirm that the player is authorized toundock the PGD and operate it remotely, as well as an authenticationmechanism to electronically “leash” the PGD to that particular playerfor continued remote use. This may include fingerprint, voiceprint,facial recognition, other biometric identifiers, and/or a variety ofother mechanisms for ensuring that only the authorized player is usingthe PGD, particularly when wager based gaming is being conductedremotely on the checked out PGD. Of course, such items might require theimplementation of items such as a built in fingerprint scanner,microphone and/or camera in the PGD, as well as system software at thePGD, on a system server, or at both locations, that is adapted forverifying and authenticating an appropriate player, as set forth below.

Virtual Leashes

In addition to the foregoing considerations, another significant featurethat can be implemented with respect to any of the foregoing “serial,”“video clip,” or “command download,” PGD basic process types is that ofat least one “virtual leash” that effectively tethers a given PGD to aparticular user, a particular game playing area, or both. It will beappreciated that such virtual leash mechanisms can be used with bothproprietary and privately owned outside PGDs. In addition, while such avirtual leash or leashes may be tied to a variety of factors, a break inany such factor with respect to an appropriate player, an appropriategaming location, or other such appropriate factor can result in thesuspension of an associated gaming session, the termination of overallPGD operations, or both. An alarm or alert may also be issued to the PGDand/or overall system or network, as may be appropriate. Further,although multiple virtual leashes can be in use at a given time (e.g., aspecific player leash, an authorized location leash, a proper PGD leash,and a proper software leash), it will be appreciated that use of theterm “virtual leash” may refer to one or more leashes, as may beappropriate.

One form of virtual leash can be a personal leash used to authenticateor verify that the proper player is using an associated PGD. In variousembodiments, some form of biometric authentication can be used to leashthe PGD to a particular authorized player, only allowing the authorizedplayer and no other person to use the PGD, particularly for wager basedgaming activities. One or more of a variety of different items adaptedfor identifying a player biometrically or via other means can beimplemented, several of which are provided above. Again, these caninclude, for example, a fingerprint sensor, a microphone, a retinalscanner, a camera, a keypad and/or an electronic pad and stylus, whichmight be used to respectively determine a fingerprint, a voiceprint, aretina, facial features, a PIN number and/or a digital signature for agiven player. Other forms of biometric and other player identifiers mayalso be suitable. In some embodiments, one or more of such items can bebuilt into the PGD itself, and other embodiments might involve the useof such devices that have been placed in communication with the PGD orsome other system element or interface. A combination of built in andsystem based player authentication devices may also be possible. Ofcourse, various forms of analysis software and custodial filescorresponding to registered or known players would also need to beprovided in any such player identification system. As will also beappreciated, such a player authorization can involve the use of morethan one identifier.

With respect to any form of virtual leash, it will be appreciated thatthe virtual leash can be both established and then maintained. That is,an original player, location, device, and/or software authentication andverification can be made, such as when a PGD is originally checked outor detached from a host gaming machine having a docking station. While avirtual leash can be established at least in part by accepting a varietyof user identifiers (e.g., PIN or fingerprint), such a virtual leash canalso be established, at least in part, by accepting a variety of PGDidentifiers. Such PGD identifiers can include, for example, informationor data from an RFID tag on or associated with the PGD, a dongleattached to or otherwise associated with the PGD, a transactioncertificate stored at the PGD, or a location determination program orfeature of the PGD, among others. As noted above, such a locationdetermination program can be a GPS type program or system, which can bebuilt into or otherwise associated with the PGD.

Once the virtual leash has been established, it can then be maintainedthrough future checks or “pings” from the PGD and/or one or more othersystem components, such as authentication server 96 of FIG. 9. Forexample, a biometric reading of a fingerprint might be taken when a PGDis first checked out to an authorized player. The system (e.g.,authentication server 96) can determine from the read fingerprint thatthe current player is the right player, such that gaming may commence onthe PGD. Thereafter, the player may be required to provide repeatedfingerprint readings periodically in order to maintain his or her gamingsession on the PGD. Such repeat readings may be made on a regularinterval basis, such as every minute, every 15 seconds, or every secondor two, as may be appropriate. Alternatively, such readings might bemade on a random basis, so as to discourage potentially fraudulent usesof the PGD by tricking the system. Such a repeated checking or pingingthrough the virtual leash can be thought of as a “heartbeat,” in thatthe PGD can be rendered inoperable for gaming purposes if a properheartbeat is not present between the PGD and an appropriate systemcomponent, such as authentication server 96.

In some embodiments, a PGD can include features adapted to detect thatan authorized or proper player is currently holding the PGD. This mightbe accomplished by using capacitive touch sensing devices embedded intothe edges of the PGD, for example. Such devices could be similar totouch style light switches and would be used by the software operatingon the PGD to detect that the player is still in possession of the PGD.Should the player set the PGD down or otherwise lose physical connectionto the device, the operating software will sense this, notify the systemvia a wireless connection that the user is no longer in possession ofthe unit, and revert to an idle or sleep mode. Should the player pick upthe PGD again, the device might require a complete re-authentication ofthe user, such as via one or more biometric sensing methods. Also, atperiodic events determined by the operating software, the PGD may askthe player to re-authenticate themselves in order to continue with aparticular gaming session.

Still another method that might be used to determine that only aproperly authorized player is playing the PGD is to use some form ofsecondary identification and an associated detection device. Suchsecondary player identification can involve, for example, an RFID playertracking card or other suitable RFID item and an RFID reading device andsystem. Details for such personally identifying RFID related gamingdevices and features thereof are provided in commonly owned andcopending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/897,822, by Benbrahim,filed Jul. 22, 2004, and entitled “Remote Gaming Eligibility System AndMethod Using RFID Tags,” which is incorporated herein by reference inits entirety and for all purposes. Other such secondary identificationitems and methods are also described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/937,990, noted and incorporated by reference above. In practice,rather than require the player to continually provide his or herfingerprint or other biometric identification on a regular basis, thePGD or other system device could periodically “ping” the secondaryplayer identification item, such as an RFID card, token, bracelet or thelike, and expect a correct response. In effect, this pinging of thesecondary identification device can then become the effective heartbeatof the virtual leash or leashes. If no response or an incorrect responseis received (i.e., no heartbeat or improper heartbeat), then the PGDcould be adapted to suspend game play immediately and require an actualbiometric authentication for the authorized player.

In some embodiments, the determination of a proper or authorized user orplayer may depend from a previously established list of one or moreusers or players who are authorized to play according to a variety ofpotential factors, such as for a given game, a given PGD, or at a givenlocation. Such preapproved users or players may be limited to the userwho owns or checks out the PGD, or the user who buys the game seeds, forexample. In other embodiments, a group of players may be listed as thosewho are authorized to play a given game, on a given PGD, or at a setlocation. For example, while a husband might be the person who checksout a PGD and/or purchases games seeds for the play of games on the PGD,both the husband and wife might be listed as authorized or properplayers for those games and/or on that PGD. As such, a first user mightbuy the game seeds or otherwise determine what games or how many gamesare to be played on a PGD, while a second user might be the one toactually play or request play of the games. As noted, in some instances,it may be preferable to restrict the second user to be the same personas the first user, while in others, a group of users may be eligible tobe such a second user. In still further embodiments, it may be possiblefor the second user to be separate from the first user, such as where aperson might want to buy games for another person or group of people notincluding the buyer, and a restriction is created that the recipient orrecipients be the only proper or authorized players.

Another form of virtual leash can be created with respect to anappropriate location for the PGD in order to conduct wager based gamingactivities on the device. Various location sensing means can be used toallow gaming operation only when the PGD is located in specific,designated gaming areas. Wireless infrastructure can be installed forsuch location detection and associated communications. As in the aboveembodiments involving a player specific virtual leash, the PGD can berendered non-operational when it is removed beyond the boundary of thelegal gaming area, particularly with respect to wager based gamingactivities. As also noted in the above embodiments involving a playerspecific virtual leash, a heartbeat can be created with respect to theparticular location of the PGD, such that an appropriate location forthe device is maintained at all times.

In some embodiments, such a location based virtual leash can alsoprovide a means for ensuring that casino owned proprietary PGDs arereturned and not stolen. For example, where a casino owned or othernon-player owned PGD is removed from a restricted gaming area orproperty, detection of such a removal could be made immediately, and oneor more security measures could be activated. Such security measuresmight include an alert to the system and/or various casino personnel orsecurity, as well as a loud audible signal. Such a signal could be awarning message to a player, as well as to nearby security, and could beemitted from the PGD itself and/or external system speakers. Additionalsecurity measures might involve the memory of the PGD being erased, suchthat reverse engineering could not take place at some uncontrolledoutside location.

As will be appreciated, the task of limiting play of a PGD to aparticular “authorized” gaming location or area may involve a number ofconsiderations given the typical RF hostile casino environment. Onemethod of determining location could involve the implementation of anumber of “pico cells.” As is generally known, such pico cells cancomprise wireless system access points having a limited amount of powerand range. Such limited power and range can be compensated for by usinga large number of pico cells, with the overall result being that tightercontrols can be had with respect to the exact shape and size of adefined restricted area. Whereas more powerful access points might emitsignals that could be detected and used at significant distances, picocells tend to have such a limited range that detection or communicationat distances of more than a few feet or yards might not be possible. Ofcourse, pico cell signal strength and receiver sensitivity on the PGAcould also be controlled, such that a definite operational range for thepico cells could be set. Once set, the PGD would then be operable withrespect to gaming only when it is able to detect a signal from a systempico cell. Once the PGD is moved off of the restricted gaming area, withno pico cells then being within a few feet or yards, then no pico cellsignal could be heard, and gaming on the PGD could be suspended orterminated.

Referring now to FIG. 14A, an exemplary casino floor layout having atleast one PGD and multiple virtual leash terminals in the form of picocells in accordance with one embodiment of the invention is illustratedin top plan view. Casino 600 can include various items in its floorlayout, such as, for example, a main or primary entrance region 601, amain or primary gaming floor 602 adapted for the play of wager basedgames, a hallway or other passageway 603 to an associated hotel or setof elevators to hotel facilities, and an entrance region 604 to arestaurant, shop or other affiliated enterprise within the casino, amongother items. Of course, many other floor layout items and types of itemsmay exist, and it will be understood that only a few are being shown forpurposes of illustration in the present example. As is generally known,there can be locations and areas within casino 600 that are gamingappropriate, and others that are not. For example, much of primarygaming floor 602 will be gaming appropriate, with many gaming machines,gaming tables and other types of gaming devices and activities takingplace. Areas where gaming might not be appropriate or legal can includethose regions near entryways, such as entryways 601 and 604, as well ashallways or passageways to other non-gaming areas, such as hotelpassageway 603. In particular, various legal statutes or rules mightrequire that gaming not take place within a given distance of anentryway to a store or restaurant where children are accepted and may bepresent, such as a restaurant entry 604.

As such, a plurality of pico cells 605 can be established within casino600 in and about areas where gaming activities may be legally conducted,such as most of primary gaming floor 602. Each pico cell 605 can have alimited short range, denoted as perimeter 606, within which signalsemitted from the pico cell can be detected by a PGD, such as PGD 20. Bystrategically placing a plurality of pico cells in a particular manner,a casino or other gaming establishment can create an overall regionwhere PGDs are able to pick up a signal from at least one system picocell, and thus be operational with respect to wager based gaming. Asshown in FIG. 14A, this region for casino 600 corresponds to all areasfalling with the range perimeter 606 of any of the pico cells 605. Wherea PGD is not within any such range perimeter of a pico cell, it shouldnot pick up a pico cell signal, and thus will prevent its user frominitiating or continuing a gaming session outside of the designatedgaming region.

Such pico cells 605 can be established as, for example, generic wirelessaccess points located on the ceiling or at other alternative locationson the gaming floor. In some embodiments, one or more gaming machines,gaming terminals, kiosks or other items on the gaming floor can serve ashost to a pico cell. As will be readily appreciated, any given gamingmachine, terminal, kiosk or the like might also be adapted in other waysto serve as a system emitter for purposes of a virtual leash function.If used to emit a virtual leash type of signal, a gaming machine mightbe adapted to do so via its candle, for example.

As shown in FIG. 14A, it may be desirable to orient multiple pico cells605 such that there is some overlap with respect to the range of morethan one cell. Such an overlapping design would not only prevent various“holes” in coverage that can occur where cells are spaced farther apart,but can also provide for a greater amount of backup coverage in an areain the event that a particular pico cell is lost, damaged or becomesnon-functional for any reason. With respect to the illustrativeexemplary PGD, this PGD 20 is actually within passageway 603, and assuch is not within the range perimeter of any system pico cell. Thus,the user of PGD 603 would not be allowed to participate in gamingactivities on the PGD at this location. Should the user move out of thepassageway 603 and into the range 606 of at least one pico cell 605,then his or her gaming session would be allowed to start or continue.

Another method that might be used to determine locations for PGDs couldinvolve triangulation to determine the exact physical location of eachPGD within the system. As is generally known, triangulation can involvethe use of three or more signal sensing and/or emitting devices, with atleast three being able to detect a signal from a subject device, such asa PGD. While each signal sensing device is not by itself capable ofdetermining a PGD or other device location, such a location can bedetermined by using multiple signal sensing devices. In general, eachsignal sensing device can typically detect the distance from itself to asubject PGD or other similar signal emitting device, such that a circlecan be proscribed about a single sensing device with respect to wherethe PGD or other emitting device might be. By using at least threesignal sensing devices, three or more such circles can be proscribed,with the intersection of all such circles defining the exact location ofthe emitting device. Further details of such a triangulation approachwithin a gaming environment can be found at, for example, commonly ownedU.S. Pat. No. 6,843,725, issued to Nelson and entitled “Method AndApparatus For Monitoring Or Controlling A Gaming Machine Based On GamingMachine Location,” which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety and for all purposes.

For purposes of illustration, FIG. 14B depicts in top plan view the sameexemplary casino floor layout having at least one PGD present, only withmultiple virtual leash terminals in the form of triangulation devices inaccordance with one embodiment of the invention. Although it might bepossible for casino 600 to have both pico cells and triangulationdevices in the same environment or area, it is also contemplated thateither form of location sensing system could be independently used. Withrespect to a triangulation system, at least three triangulation devices607 can be located about the casino, preferably in strategic locationsbased on the shape of the casino floor plan and designated permissiblegaming regions. Such triangulation devices could be in the form ofwireless system access points atop towers or coupled to the ceilingabove the gaming floor. Alternatively, as in the pico cell embodimentabove, such triangulation devices could be hosted at one or more gamingmachines, terminals, or kiosks. Unlike the pico cell embodiment above, agiven PGD would not necessarily be operable for wager based gamingpurposes just because it might detect a signal from a triangulationdevice 607 at the casino. Rather, each triangulation device 607 would beadapted to determine the distance between itself and a given PGD, suchas by reading a signal from the PGD at the triangulation device.

To any single triangulation device, such a distance could be recognizedas any possible location residing along a distance perimeter 608 fromthe triangulation device. Of course, locations outside of the casinofloor plan might not be included as possible PGD locations, as is shown.Once a distance perimeter for a given PGD, such as PGD 20, isestablished for two different triangulation devices 607, then one or atmost two possible locations would be possible for the PGD 20. In someinstances, a third triangulation device will become necessary topinpoint the exact location of a given PGD. As illustrated, the distanceperimeters 608 of three different triangulation devices 607 have beenused to pinpoint the location of PGD 20 as being near the entrance 604of an associated restaurant, but not so close as to prohibit gamingactivity at the PGD 20 at its present location. It should be appreciatedthat distance perimeter 608 does not represent a range for atriangulation device 607. Rather, the range for each such triangulationdevice can be quite far, even extending to many or all locations anddistances on the casino floor. Such ranges are not illustrated.

One advantage to using such a triangulation approach is that PGDs thatmight be outside a legitimate gaming area but are still in wirelesscommunication with one or more system devices can still be preventedfrom conducting gaming activities while outside the legitimate gamingarea. Since the signal detection range is significantly larger bydesign, the system is adapted to determine exact PGD locations and actaccordingly. In some embodiments, a “yes” or “no” signal can be sent toa given PGD based on its detected location within the system. Each PGDcould then be adapted to prevent, suspend, and/or terminate a gamingsession whenever it is outside of an approved gaming area, based on theyes or no signal being sent from the system. In addition to theforegoing, other suitable specific location sensing methods might alsobe adopted for use with the overall PGD based gaming system, with suchspecific location sensing methods including, for example, WiFi positionsensing, (RF Fingerprinting, such as at https://www.ekahau.com), timedifference of arrival (“TDOA”), and active RF tags, among others.

Still another form of virtual leash can be created with respect to theactual PGD itself, such that verification can be made that the deviceattempting to play games is a proper device for the overall wireless andvirtual leash system. Such a leash can be created using a variety ofdifferent identifying devices. For example, specially coded RFID tagscan be installed within or attached to each PGD, with such RFID tagsbeing registered on the system. In this manner, every duly registeredand authorized PGD, whether it be casino owned or privately owned, canhave its own separate identifier that is recognizable by the system. Ofcourse, other types and forms of identifying devices can be uses aswell. For example, a specialized dongle, E-key, USB peripheral, or otherattachment might be required to be attached to the PGD for gaming tobegin or continue. Such a dongle, E-key, USB peripheral or otherattachment might also have a specific identifier that positivelyidentifies and individuates its associated PGD. The specific identifiercould then be read by the system as part of a virtual leash process,particularly where it may be desirable to determine the exact identityof a given PGD or set of PGDs.

Alternatively, or in addition to any of the foregoing physical devices,an identification certificate or other form of electronic identificationmay be stored on the PGD. Such a transaction certificate or other formof electronic identification could be added as part of an originalregistration or first command download process, and could remain on thePGD as an unalterable file. Any removal or deletion of the file, such aswhere an unalterable identifier file might be downloaded to andultimately removed or deleted from a privately owned PGD, would thenresult in a need to re-register the device or otherwise download a newfile containing a new digital identifier. Accordingly, one part of aregistration and/or command download process for PGDs that are privatelyowned might include the download of an unalterable file containing anindividuating identifier, such that the device can be specificallyidentified by the system at some later time.

Still further forms of virtual leashes can be created with respect toany particular software module or program downloaded to the PGD for usein the wireless gaming system. As will be readily appreciated, varioussoftware modules and programs may contain a short portion of code thatidentifies the module or program, and such identifying portions may beencrypted or otherwise secured, such that improper or fraudulentidentifications or transactions are hindered or prevented. Using suchitems, one or more critical software programs or modules may be requiredto submit such identifying codes as part of a virtual leash process, inorder to ensure that not only an authorized module or program is beingused, but also to ensure that an appropriate version and/or revision isalso being used. For example, while one authorized version of “LittleGreen Men” might be appropriate for use in Nevada, that same versionmight be improper or illegal in another gaming jurisdiction, such as inNew Jersey or Monaco. In cases where a privately owned PGD has anauthorized and appropriate game version downloaded to it in onejurisdiction, this version would have to be verified as appropriate inthat same or any other jurisdiction before it is used again at somelater time, assuming it is not deleted by the user or otherwise.

In fact, a “transaction certificate” can even be created with respect toone or more software components or codes that might be stored on a givenPGD, whether casino owned or privately owned. Such a transactioncertificate could also be made a part of the virtual leash process, withone or more certificate items being verified before gaming using thatportion of code is initiated or permitted to continue. Such transactioncertificate items could relate to, for example, the software versionand/or revision for any given software module or program, the types ofgames downloaded, any specific game downloaded, a casino identifier, anidentifier with respect to an owner, player or group of owners orplayers for the PGD, a time stamp, transaction data regarding any gamesor game seeds downloaded (e.g., game title, game type, number of seeds,money paid), a device identifier, and any jurisdictional requirementswith respect to a particular gaming jurisdiction, such as the one wherea registration or transaction using the device has taken place, amongothers.

Other virtual leash components beyond specific player, authorizedlocation, specific PGD and authorized software leashes might also beused. Such other components or types might include those for other waysto identify a given PGD itself, a particular identifier for a gamingsession, and a harm minimization component, among others. Confirmationof one or more of these additional components might be required at thetime of check out and/or during a gaming session, as in the case of thepersonal identifying and location verification leashes described above.In the case of a PGD and/or gaming session identifier, it might bedesirable to track exactly where a PGD goes, as well as how gaming andother activity on the PGD has taken place. Appropriate feedback for oneor more of these additional components may be required as a part of aheartbeat in order for gaming and/or other PGD activities to continue ortake place on a PGD.

With respect to such additional items, activities can be monitored on asystem server adapted to detect irregularities or other suspiciousbehavior or patterns. Such a system server might involve authenticationserver 96 and/or one or more other servers further adapted to track dataand perform analysis with respect to unusual or noteworthy activities. Aparticular alert item might include a sudden change in PGD location,particularly where such a location change might not be physicallypossible, such that a potentially fraudulent activity may be takingplace. Other possible alert items might also include a sudden change inbetting limits, patterns, game play choices and/or other PGD basedactivities, which might be caused by fraudulent activity or a change inthe person playing the device.

Various software modules and programs might be active on the systemserver to detect such suspicious or irregular activity, with varyinglevels of alerts or alarms based on the types of detected events. Insome instances, a low level alert might simply result in a heightenedawareness with respect to a given player or PGD, with future activitybeing scrutinized more closely. In more urgent circumstances, such aswhere a given PGD has appeared to move from one end of the casino toanother in a matter of a few seconds, an alarm or alert to securitypersonnel to physically investigate the matter may be appropriate. Toassist in the analysis process, a histogram of tracked locations andactivities for each PGD might be stored on a system server or database,at least temporarily. Such histograms and other tracked and stored datamight be used by the system in automated fashion, and might also be madeavailable for inspection by operator personnel if necessary.

Turning lastly to FIG. 15, a flowchart illustrating one exemplary methodof authenticating and verifying a player and location associated with agiven PGD in accordance with various embodiments of the invention isprovided. While the provided flowchart may be comprehensive in somerespects, it will be readily understood that not every step provided isnecessary, that other steps can be included, and that the order of stepsmight be rearranged as desired by a given gaming operator. After startstep 700, a suitable gaming system having one or more servers adapted tofacilitate wager based game play on a PGD is provided at process step702. At a subsequent decision step 704, an inquiry is made as to whethera sufficient amount of code resides at the PGD to run games where theonly further input needed is one or more game seeds containing data forpredetermined game outcomes. If not, then the method moves to processstep 706, where a command download of code for various programs ormodules is provided from the system to the PGD. After this takes place,decision step 704 is repeated, with steps 706 and 704 potentially beingrepeated several times until a sufficient level of program code residesat the PGD.

Once code sufficient to run a desired game exists at the PGD, the methodthen continues to process step 708, where user input regarding thenumber of games to be played is accepted. At a following process step710, payment for such games to be played is accepted from the user, anda set of predetermined game outcomes are then generated at process step712. These predetermined game outcomes are stored on a system server ordatabase at process step 714, are converted into seed form andtransmitted to a storage device at process step 716, and are stored atthe storage device at process step 718. Again, such a storage device canbe a part of or can be separate from the actual PGD where the games areto be played. At process step 720, a virtual leash can then beestablished when the user is ready for actual gaming on the PGD. Thevirtual leash is monitored at process step 722, and an inquiry is madeat decision step 724 as to whether any substantive violation hasoccurred to the virtual leash. If so, then the gaming session issuspended or terminated, and the method immediately ends at end step724.

If the virtual leash remains intact and is not violated, however, thenthe method continues to process step 726, where the command downloadcode residing at the PGD is executed using one or more of the storedgame seeds. The game results for such game execution can then bepresented or displayed at process step 728, after which an inquiry ismade at decision step 730 as to whether the gaming session is finished.If not, then the method reverts to process step 722 for a repeat ofsteps 722 through 730. If the gaming session is indeed finished,however, then the method moves on to process step 732, where the overallgame results are reconciled with the predetermined game outcomespreviously stored on the system. Ways of dealing with reconciled andnon-reconciled game results are discussed above. After thisreconciliation, the method then ends at end step 732. Again, variousdetails and additional steps may similarly be included, and it isspecifically contemplated that many variations of these exemplarymethods may also be practiced.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in detail by way ofillustration and example for purposes of clarity and understanding, itwill be recognized that the above described invention may be embodied innumerous other specific variations and embodiments without departingfrom the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Certainchanges and modifications may be practiced, and it is understood thatthe invention is not to be limited by the foregoing details, but ratheris to be defined by the scope of the appended claims.

1. A gaming system configured for playing a wager-based game of chance,comprising: a personal gaming device including: a display device; and agaming machine including: a cabinet configured to provide mounting areasfor gaming machine components; a controller configured to output a firstgame of chance; a main display configured to display the first game ofchance, wherein the main display is mounted to a front of the cabinet; avalue input device configured to accept an indication of a wager forplaying the first game of chance; a docking station configured tophysically interface with the personal gaming device, wherein thedocking station is mounted to the front of the cabinet; and the personalgaming device being configured to: operate in a first mode when thepersonal gaming device is physically interfaced with the dockingstation, wherein the personal gaming device is configured to displayfirst gaming information on the display device in the first mode ofoperation, and wherein the display device of the personal gaming deviceis configured to operate as a secondary display to the main display ofthe gaming machine in the first mode of operation; and operate in asecond mode when the personal gaming device is not physically interfacedwith the docking station, wherein the personal gaming device isconfigured to display second gaming information on the display device inthe second mode of operation, the second gaming information beingdifferent from the first gaming information.
 2. The gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein in the first mode of operation, the first gaminginformation displayed on the display device is selected from the groupconsisting of bonus information, player tracking information, paytableinformation, advertising information, and attract information.
 3. Thegaming system of claim 1, wherein in the second mode of operation, thesecond gaming information displayed on the display device includes asecond game of chance.
 4. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein thedocking station includes a mechanism to attach the personal gamingdevice to the docking station when the personal gaming device isphysically interfaced with the docking station.
 5. The gaming system ofclaim 3, wherein the gaming machine is configured to transferinformation relating to the second game of chance to the personal gamingdevice when the personal gaming device is physically interfaced with thedocking station.
 6. The gaming system of claim 3, wherein the gamingmachine is configured to transfer computer code configured to presentthe second game of chance to the personal gaming device when thepersonal gaming device is physically interfaced with the dockingstation.
 7. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the docking station isphysically integrated with the cabinet.
 8. The gaming system of claim 4,wherein the mechanism is selected from the group consisting of aphysical pin, a lock, and a latching mechanism.
 9. The gaming system ofclaim 3, wherein a license is associated with the gaming system, andwherein the license is required to present the first game of chance andthe license is required to present the second game of chance, thelicense being associated with the gaming machine when the first game ofchance is presented, and the license being associated with the personalgaming device when the second game of chance is presented.
 10. Thegaming system of claim 9, wherein when the license is associated withthe personal gaming device, the controller of the gaming machine isunable to output the first game of chance.
 11. The gaming machine ofclaim 10, wherein when the controller of the gaming machine is unable tooutput the first game of chance, the main display is configured todisplay a message indicating that the gaming machine is unavailable forplaying the first game of chance.
 12. The gaming system of claim 9,wherein the gaming machine is configured to receive the license from thepersonal gaming device after the personal gaming device is physicallyinterfaced with the docking station.
 13. The gaming system of claim 9,wherein the personal gaming device is configured to receive the licensefrom the gaming machine before the personal gaming device is notphysically interfaced with the docking station.
 14. The gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein the personal gaming device further includes a battery,and wherein the battery is configured to be recharged when the personalgaming device is physically interfaced with the docking station.
 15. Thegaming system of claim 1, wherein the personal gaming device is apersonal digital assistant provided by a player of the gaming system.16. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the personal gaming device isa specialized personal gaming device provided by an operator of thegaming system.
 17. The gaming system of claim 1, wherein the maindisplay of the gaming machine and the display device of the personalgaming device are visible to a player when the personal gaming device isphysically interfaced with the docking station.
 18. The gaming system ofclaim 1, wherein the gaming machine further includes a undocking deviceconfigured to remove the personal gaming device from a physicalinterface with the docking station.
 19. The gaming system of claim 1,wherein the docking station includes a hard-wired connection thatconnects the gaming machine to the personal gaming device when thepersonal gaming device is physically interfaced with the dockingstation.
 20. A gaming system configured for playing a wager-based gameof chance, comprising: a personal gaming device including: a displaydevice; and a gaming machine including: a cabinet configured to providemounting areas for gaming machine components; a controller configured tooutput a first game of chance; a main display configured to display thefirst game of chance, wherein the main display is mounted to a front ofthe cabinet; a value input device configured to accept an indication ofa wager for playing the first game of chance; a docking stationconfigured to physically interface with the personal gaming device,wherein the docking station is mounted to the front of the cabinet; andthe personal gaming device being configured to: operate in a first modewhen the personal gaming device is physically interfaced with thedocking station, wherein the personal gaming device is configured todisplay first gaming information on the display device in the first modeof operation, wherein the first gaming information is selected from thegroup consisting of bonus information, player tracking information,paytable information, advertising information, and attract information,and wherein the display device of the personal gaming device isconfigured to operate as a secondary display to the main display of thegaming machine in the first mode of operation; and operate in a secondmode when the personal gaming device is not physically interfaced withthe docking station, wherein the personal gaming device is configured todisplay second gaming information on the display device in the secondmode of operation, and wherein the second gaming information consists ofa second game of chance.
 21. A gaming system configured for playing awager-based game of chance, comprising: a personal gaming deviceincluding: a display device; and a gaming machine including: a cabinetconfigured to provide mounting areas for gaming machine components; acontroller configured to output a first game of chance; a main displayconfigured to display the first game of chance, the main display mountedto a front of the cabinet; a value input device configured to accept anindication of a wager for playing the first game of chance; a dockingstation configured to physically interface with the personal gamingdevice, the docking station mounted to the front of the cabinet; and thepersonal gaming device being configured to: operate in a first mode whenthe personal gaming device is physically interfaced with the dockingstation, wherein the personal gaming device is configured to displayfirst gaming information on the display device in the first mode ofoperation, and wherein the display device of the personal gaming deviceis configured to operate as a secondary display to the main display ofthe gaming machine in the first mode of operation; and operate in asecond mode when the personal gaming device is not physically interfacedwith the docking station, wherein the personal gaming device isconfigured to display second gaming information on the display device inthe second mode of operation, wherein the second gaming information isdifferent from the first gaming information; and wherein the maindisplay of the gaming machine and the display device of the personalgaming device are visible to a player when the personal gaming device isphysically interfaced with the docking station.